Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity and pharmacokinetics of alkaloids from seeds of Strychnos nux-vomica after transdermal administration: effect of changes in alkaloid composition

Overlapping approach Proton Pump Inhibitors/Nux vomica-Heel as new intervention for gastro-esophageal reflux management: Delphi consensus study

BACKGROUND

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) may affect the upper digestive tract; up to 20% of population in Western nations are affected by GERD. Antacids, histamine H2-receptor antagonists, and Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are considered the referring medications for GERD. Nevertheless, PPIs must be managed carefully because their use, especially chronic, could be linked with some adverse effects. An effective and safe alternative pharmacological tool for GERD is needed. After the identification of potentially new medications to flank PPIs, it is mandatory to revise and improve good clinical practices even through a consensus process.

AIM

To optimize diagnosis and treatment guidelines for GERD through a consensus based on Delphi method.

METHODS

The availability of clinical studies describing the action of the multicomponent/multitarget medication Nux vomica-Heel, subject of the consensus, is the basic prerequisite for the consensus itself. A modified Delphi process was used to reach a consensus among a panel of Italian GERD specialists on the overlapping approach PPIs/Nux vomica-Heel as a new intervention model for the management of GERD. The Voting Consensus group was composed of 49 Italian Medical Doctors with different specializations: Gastroenterology, otolaryngology, geriatrics, and general medicine. A scientific committee analyzed the literature, determined areas that required investigation (in agreement with the multiple-choice questionnaire results), and identified two topics of interest: (1) GERD disease; and (2) GERD treatment. Statements for each of these topics were then formulated and validated. The Delphi process involved two rounds of questioning submitted to the panel experts using an online platform.

RESULTS

According to their routinary GERD practice and current clinical evidence, the panel members provided feedback to each questionnaire statement. The experts evaluated 15 statements and reached consensus on all 15. The statements regarding the GERD disease showed high levels of agreement, with consensus ranging from 70% to 92%. The statements regarding the GERD treatment also showed very high levels of agreement, with consensus ranging from 90% to 100%. This Delphi process was able to reach consensus among physicians in relevant aspects of GERD management, such as the adoption of a new approach to treat patients with GERD based on the overlapping between PPIs and Nux vomica-Heel. The consensus was unanimous among the physicians with different specializations, underlying the uniqueness of the agreement reached to identify in the overlapping approach between PPIs and Nux vomica-Heel a new intervention model for GERD management. The results support that an effective approach to deprescribe PPIs through a progressive decalage timetable (reducing PPIs administration to as-needed use), should be considered.

CONCLUSION

Nux vomica-Heel appears to be a valid opportunity for GERD treatment to favor the deprescription of PPIs and to maintain low disease activity together with the symptomatology remission.

Ultra-sensitive fluorescent detection of strychnine based on carbon dot self-assembled gold nanocage sensing probe

The ultra-sensitive detection of strychnine is crucial to provide powerful evidence in strychnine poisoning cases. In this study, a novel fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) self-assembled gold nanocage (AuNCs) composite is synthesized for the ultra-sensitive detection of strychnine using molecularly imprinted polymer sensing technology (MIPs-CDs@AuNCs). With strong loading and delivery capability of AuNCs, the CDs could be loaded into AuNCs, where the anisotropy of CDs could significantly decrease and the fluorescence of the MIPs-CDs@AuNCs probe gained lower relative standard deviation (RSD). Moreover, the fluorescence response of MIPs-CDs@AuNCs to target strychnine was observed to be more significant than MIPs-CDs without gold nanocages. Under optimal conditions, the developed MIPs-CDs@AuNCs fluorescence strategy showed good linear relationship at the concentration of strychnine from 3 ng mL-1 to 200 ng mL-1 with the limit of detection as low as 1 ng mL-1. Besides, real blood samples were analyzed without complex pre-preparation procedure to investigate the performance of the proposed molecularly imprinted fluorescence probe, and satisfactory results were obtained with absolute deviations between -1.16 ng mL-1 and 1.28 ng mL-1, which exhibited a great potential for the detection of strychnine in health care work.

A multifunctional and self-adaptive double-layer hydrogel dressing based on chitosan for deep wound repair

Hydrogel wound dressing for irregular shape and deep wound repair is a research hotspot. Herein, a multifunctional and self-adaptive double-layer hydrogel was constructed, which was comprised of chitosan-based inner layer hydrogel and gellan gum-based outer layer hydrogel. Various properties of inner layer hydrogel were systematically investigated, including injectability, shape-adaptability, solid-liquid phase transition, biocompatibility, hemostasis, antibacterial performance and anti-inflammatory. Thanks to the phase-transition from solid to liquid at body temperature, inner layer hydrogel exhibited stronger adaptability to fill irregular and deep wounds, in which chitosan was liquefied and its therapeutic effect was maximized. Outer layer hydrogel was fabricated by calcium ions and gellan gum, whose certain mechanical strength could provide protection and a moister environment for wounds. Because of these characteristics, double-layer hydrogel markedly promoted skin tissue regeneration and wound closure and thereby possessed potential clinical application prospect as wound dressing for deep wounds.

Formulation of Transliposomal Nanocarrier Gel Containing Strychnine for the Effective Management of Skin Cancer

Strychnine (STCN) has demonstrated an exceptional anticancer effect against various cancers. However, the STCN clinical utility has been hampered by its low water solubility, restricted therapeutic window, short half-life, and significant toxicity. The objective of this investigation was to design and optimize a formulation of strychnine-loaded transliposomes (STCN-TLs) for dermal administration of STCN to treat skin cancer. The formulations of STCN-TL were examined in terms of vesicle size (VS), polydispersity index (PDI), entrapment efficiency (EE), and in vitro delivery. The improved STCN-TL formulation exhibited VS, PDI, EE, and in vitro delivery of 101.5 ± 2.14 nm, 0.218 ± 0.12, 81.74 ± 1.43%, and 85.39 ± 2.33%, respectively. In an ex vivo penetration, the created STCN-TL formulation demonstrated a 2.5-fold increase in permeability compared to the STCN solution. CLSM pictures of skin (rat) revealed that the rhodamine B-loaded transliposome preparation penetrated deeper than the rhodamine B hydroalcoholic mixture. Additionally, rat skin managed with STCN-TL nanogel exhibited a significant increase in Cskin max and AUC0-8 compared to rat skin treated with traditional STCN gel. The findings demonstrated that the transliposome preparation might be a suitable nanocarrier for the cutaneous distribution of STCN in the amelioration of skin cancer.

Pharmacodynamics and acute toxicity studies of Shangke Jiegu tablet with or without cinnabar

Purpose

To evaluate the function of cinnabar in Shangke Jiegu tablet (SKJGT) via pharmacodynamics and toxicity investigations to determine whether cinnabar should be removed from SKJGT.

Materials and methods

The pharmacodynamic differences between SKJGT and cinnabar-free Shangke Jiegu tablet (CFSKJGT) were systematically compared in five animal models. Anti-inflammatory effects were assessed on ear swelling and paw edema by measuring the degree of swelling in each. Then, the acetic acid-induced writhing reaction and hot-water tail-flick were also evaluated by counting pain reactions. The pharmacodynamic effects on soft tissue contusions were identified through histopathological observation. Chemical markers of fracture healing, including osteocytes and the blood calcium and phosphorus level, were determined via radiographic examination and biochemical assay, respectively. In addition, the maximum dosages of SKJGT and CFSKJGT were tested in mice to compare their toxicities.

Results

SKJGT and CFSKJGT showed anti-inflammation effects (swelling inhibition ratios of 40.8% and 44.0%, respectively), analgesia (pain threshold ratios of 48.2% and 44.1%, respectively, at 60 min in the hot-water tail-flick test), and soft tissue contusion repair compared with the control (p < 0.05), and the degree of swelling inhibition and the number of pain reactions were dose-dependent. SKJGT and CFSKJGT both significantly improved the bone healing in the rat fracture model, as indicated by the increased osteocyte size during weeks 1-6 and elevated blood calcium and blood phosphorus levels (reaching maximum concentrations of 7.5 mmol/L and 6.8 mmol/L, respectively) during weeks 1-2. The maximum doses for the SKJGT and CFSKJGT groups were 9.0 g/kg in the acute toxicity experiment. The seizure rate of the SKJGT group (25.0%) was lower than that of the CFSKJGT group (50.0%) when the toxicity was observed after administration.

Conclusion

This is the first report to investigate the pharmacodynamics and acute toxicity of cinnabar in SKJGT. Broadly, this study offers novel, valuable insights into the efficacy of cinnabar in prescribed SKJGT.

Systems Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Reveals the Mechanisms of Nux Vomica for the Prevention of Myasthenia Gravis

Background

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune disease with clinical symptoms of fluctuating muscle weakness. Due to the side effects of current therapies, there is an urgent need for a new medication for MG treatment. Nux vomica is a traditional Chinese medicine used in various diseases. However, the mechanism of action of Nux vomica against MG remains unclear.

Methods

Network pharmacology was used to explore the underlying mechanisms of Nux vomica in MG treatment, which was validated using molecular docking and in vivo experiments in mice.

Results

Twelve bioactive compounds and 72 targets in Nux vomica were screened. Seventy-nine myasthenia-related targets were obtained from the GENECARD and DisGeNET databases. PPI networks of Nux vomica- and myasthenia-related targets were constructed using Bisogenet, and these two networks were subsequently merged into an intersection to establish a core-target PPI network that consisted of 204 nodes and 4,668 edges. KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that 132 pathways were enriched in 204 core targets. In addition, we obtained 50 docking pairs via molecular docking. In vivo experiments revealed that Nux vomica can improve the symptoms of MG.

Conclusion

Nux vomica is involved in the pathogenesis of MG through the “multicomponent-target-pathway” mechanism.

The Production and Evaluation of an Electrochemical Sensors for Strychnine and Its Main Metabolite Strychnine N-Oxide for Their Use in Biological Samples

Strychnine (STN) and its major metabolite Strychnine N-Oxide (SNO) were examined electrochemically. Both parent compounds and its major metabolite showed electroactivity on glassy carbon electrodes using CV and DPV techniques. One oxidation peak at 1008 mV was observed for STN with the optimum peak intensity at pH 7. SNO produced two oxidation peaks, at 617 mV and 797 mV, at pH 5. The peaks demonstrated irreversible behaviour and the irreversibility of the system was confirmed at different scan rates. A calibration curve was produced for both CV and DPV measurements and the sensitivity of the proposed EC method was good compared with previous electrochemical and non-electrochemical methods. The precision of oxidation peak of STN using the STN-MIP method produced a maximum value of 11.5% and 2.32% for inter-day and intraday %RSD, respectively. The average% recovery was around 92%. The electrochemical method has been successfully applied to the determination of STN in spiked plasma and urine samples. For SNO, both anodic peaks of SNO demonstrated irreversible behaviour. A different sweep rate was used for calculating the number of ‘transfer electrons’ in the system; based on this, the mechanism of oxidation reaction was proposed. Calibration curves for both oxidative peaks were produced using DPV measurements. The second anodic peak demonstrated high linearity and precision with %RSD < 1.96%.

Quality by Design for Development, Optimization and Characterization of Brucine Ethosomal Gel for Skin Cancer Delivery

Natural products have been extensively used for treating a wide variety of disorders. In recent times, Brucine (BRU) as one of the natural medications extracted from seeds of nux vomica, was investigated for its anticancer activity. As far as we know, this is the first study on BRU anticancer activity against skin cancer. Thus, the rational of this work was implemented to develop, optimize and characterize the anticancer activity of BRU loaded ethosomal gel. Basically, thin film hydration method was used to formulate BRU ethosomal preparations, by means of Central composite design (CCD), which were operated to construct (3²) factorial design. Two independent variables were designated (phospholipid percentage and ethanol percentage) with three responses (vesicular size, encapsulation efficiency and flux). Based on the desirability function, one formula was selected and incorporated into HPMC gel base to develop BRU loaded ethosomal gel. The fabricated gel was assessed for all physical characterization. In-vitro release investigation, ex-vivo permeation and MTT calorimetric assay were performed. BRU loaded ethosomal gel exhibited acceptable values for the characterization parameters which stand proper for topical application. In-vitro release investigation was efficiently prolonged for 6 h. The flux from BRU loaded ethosome was enhanced screening optimum SSTF value. Finally, in-vitro cytotoxicity study proved that BRU loaded ethosomal gel significantly improved the anticancer activity of the drug against A375 human melanoma cell lines. Substantially, the investigation proposed a strong motivation for further study of the lately developed BRU loaded ethosomal gel as a prospective therapeutic strategy for melanoma treatment.

Preparation, characterization and evaluation of anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects of brucine-loaded nanoemulgel

Brucine (BRU) is a natural product derived from nux-vomica seeds. It is commonly used as an anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive drug to relieve arthritis and traumatic pain. Nevertheless, its use is significantly limited by its low aqueous solubility, as well as the gastrointestinal problems and systemic toxicity that may occur following oral administration. The goal of this study, therefore, was to formulate and evaluate a nanoemulgel formulation of BRU for enhanced topical anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities. Different formulations were developed (BRU gel, emulgel and nanoemulgel) using 1% w/w NaCMC as a gelling agent. The formulated preparations were assessed for their physical appearance, spreadability, viscosity, particle size, in vitro drug release and ex vivo permeation studies. In addition, the carrageenan-induced rat hind paw edema method was adopted to scrutinize the anti-inflammatory activity, while the hot plate method and acetic acid-induced writhing test were used to assess the anti-nociceptive activity of different formulations in male BALB/c mice. The formulated BRU-loaded preparations showed good physical characteristics. Cumulative drug release from BRU-loaded nanoemulgel was remarkably higher than that of the other formulations. Ex vivo drug permeation of the nanoemulgel formulation across rat skin showed enhanced drug permeation and higher transdermal flux as compared to BRU-loaded gel or emulgel. Most importantly, the carrageenan-induced rat hind paw edema model verified the efficient anti-inflammatory potential of BRU-loaded nanoemulgel. In addition, BRU-loaded nanoemulgel exhibited significant protective effects against thermal stimulation in the hot plate test and remarkably inhibited acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing in mice. Furthermore, a skin irritation test indicated that BRU-loaded nanoemulgel elicited neither edema nor erythema upon application to rat skin. Collectively, our results suggest that myrrh oil-based nanoemulgel might represent a promising delivery vehicle for potentiating the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive actions of brucine.

In silico screening of therapeutic potentials from Strychnos nux-vomica against the dimeric main protease (Mpro) structure of SARS-CoV-2

The novel coronavirus also referred to as SARS-CoV-2 causes COVID-19 and became global epidemic since its initial outbreak in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Research efforts are still been endeavoured towards discovering/designing of potential drugs and vaccines against this virus. In the present studies, we have contributed to the development of a drug based on natural products to combat the newly emerged and life-threatening disease. The main protease (M^Pro) of SARS-CoV-2 is a homodimer and a key component involved in viral replication, and is considered as a prime target for anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug development. Literature survey revealed that the phytochemicals present in Strychnos nux-vomica possess several therapeutic activities. Initially, in the light of drug likeness laws, the ligand library of phytoconstituents was subjected to drug likeness analysis. The resulting compounds were taken to binding site-specific consensus-based molecular docking studies and the results were compared with the positive control drug, lopinavir, which is a main protease inhibitor. The top compounds were tested for ADME-Tox properties and antiviral activity. Further molecular dynamics simulations and MM-PBSA-based binding affinity estimation were carried out for top two lead compounds' complexes along with the apo form of main protease and positive control drug lopinavir complex, and the results were comparatively analysed. The results revealed that the two analogues of same scaffold, namely demethoxyguiaflavine and strychnoflavine, have potential against M^pro and can be validated through clinical studies.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Phytochemical Profile and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the Fraction from Artemisia lavandulaefolia

Artemisia lavandulaefolia, a traditional herbal medicine, has been utilized as anti-inflammatory and analgesia agent in clinic. Bioassay-guided fractionation resulted in a fraction (ALDF) with anti-inflammatory effect obtained from A. lavandulaefolia. Its main constituents were analyzed and identified by UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS technology. ALDF showed the strong inhibitory activity on the nitrogen oxide (NO) production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages with an IC₅₀ value of 1.64±0.41 μg/mL. Further results displayed that ALDF also significantly suppressed the secretion of key pro-inflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂ ) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and the increase of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein expression induced by LPS stimulation. Mechanism study indicated that ALDF was able to block NF-κB signaling pathway through inhibiting IκB and p65 phosphorylation, as well as NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation. Furthermore, in vivo results in mice revealed that treatments with ALDF evoked significant inhibition on ear edema induced by xylene and on the writhing responses induced by acetic acid. These results suggest that ALDF holds great potential in the prevention and treatment of inflammatory disorders.

Traditional Aspects of Sciatic Pain Management and Allied Therapies from Persian Medical Reports

Sciatica is a common back pain caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve. Current pharmacologic therapies have proven inadequate for many patients with sciatic pain. On the other hand, there is a globally increasing demand for the use and administration of natural medicaments for this disorder. Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) is a school of medicine and a medicinal plant-based resource for clinical studies put forward by Persian scholars. The aim of the present study is to gather and study the effectiveness of all medicinal plants from five main Persian pharmacopeias. Furthermore, different databases such as PubMed and Scopus have been checked to derive relevant activities for these plants. In all, 99 medicinal plants related to 42 families have been authenticated. Asteraceae and Apiaceae were the most frequent families and roots and seeds were the most reported botanical parts. The employed routes of administration were oral (54%), topical (33%) and rectal (13%). Anti-inflammatory, analgesic activity and antinociceptive properties of medicines are known as some main mechanisms to manage sciatic pain. These functions are possessed by 30%, 15%, and 15% of the studied plants, respectively. Medicaments that can be introduced as lead agents for further investigation are Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Olea europaea L., Strychnos nux-vomica L and Artemisia vulgaris L which showed all of these properties in previous studies. Hence, conducting adducible clinical trials using these lead agents may lead to novel drugs with lesser undesirable and much more therapeutic effects on controlling sciatic pain.

Chemical Profiling of Embelia ribes by Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Its Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activities In Vitro

Embelia ribes is a traditional Chinese medicine compound used as a remedy for various diseases. Nevertheless, detailed information regarding its chemical composition is unavailable. Herein, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry was used to characterize the components of E. ribes. A total of 56 compounds, including 16 phenolics, 16 flavonoids, 4 coumarins, 5 fatty acids and 15 other compounds were identified. Furthermore, the total phenolic and total flavonoid content was also assessed; the acetic ether extract of E. ribes was an ideal source of phenolics (308.16 ± 0.00 mg gallic acid equivalents/g of extract) and flavonoids (62.00 ± 0.01 mg rutin equivalents/g of extract). Additionally, acetic ether extract exhibited a high antioxidation effect (ferric reducing activity power: 0.15 ± 0.01 mg/mL; 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl: 0.18 ± 0.01 mg/mL; 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid: 0.06 ± 0.01 mg/mL). Further, the nitric oxide concentration in lipopolysaccharide-simulated macrophage RAW 264.7 cells and the pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) were suppressed by acetic ether extract. These findings support the notion that E. ribes is an ideal antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.

Evaluation of polyherbal ayurvedic formulation 'Peedantak Vati' for anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Peedantak Vati (PV) is a polyherbal ayurvedic formulation, which is regularly prescribed by the ayurvedic practitioner for the inflammatory disorders and joints pain in India. It is composed of 23 different herbs and minerals, described in ayurvedic text for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive potential of 'Peedantak Vati' using in vitro and in vivo methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In-vitro anti-inflammatory activity of PV was studied by estimating nitric oxide (NO) and LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, using murine macrophage RAW264.7 and human monocyte THP-1 cell lines. PV's anti-inflammatory potential was studied in vivo using carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model. Similarly, anti-nociceptive property of PV was evaluated using hot plate, tail flick, formalin and writhing tests on CD-1 mice. Phytochemical profiling of hydro-alcoholic extract of PV was done using HPLC and HPTLC techniques to identify different marker compounds. These identified marker compounds were confirmed using LC-MS/MS analysis.

RESULTS

In vitro results strongly suggest that, PV significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited NO release and LPS-stimulated pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, in murine RAW264.7 and human THP-1 cells. Further, PV demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) anti-inflammatory activity at different time points after carrageenan injection with maximum effect at 2 h (40.4 ± 5.2% at 400 mg/kg). Similarly, PV significantly (p < 0.05) decreased nociceptive pain, studied using hot plate, tail flick, formalin and writhing tests. Moreover, HPLC and HPTLC methods were developed for the standardization of PV. Five marker phytocompounds viz. rutin, caffeic acid, colchicine, withaferin A and curcumin were identified and quantified by HPLC and HPTLC methods. The presence of these phytoconstituents was confirmed by LC-MS/MS analysis.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the study strongly suggest that, the polyherbal ayurvedic formulation 'Peedantak Vati' possesses remarkable anti-inflammatory and analgesic property, providing potent alternative for currently available allopathic medicines such as non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Brucine alleviates neuropathic pain in mice via reducing the current of the sodium channel

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Strychnos nux-vomica L. (Loganiaceae) is grown extensively in South Asian. The dried seed of this plant, nux vomica, has been clinically used in Chinese medicine for relieving rheumatic pain, reducing swelling and treating cancer. Brucine, the second abundant alkaloid constituent of nux vomica, shows excellent clinical therapeutic effect, especially in relieving pain, but mechanism of brucine in relieving pain is still unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Explore the analgesic effect of brucine, reveal the molecular mechanism of brucine analgesia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Antinociceptive effects of brucine were assessed in acute and chronic pain mice model. Electrophysiological experiments were used to evaluate the effects of brucine on neuronal activity and sodium channel function.

RESULTS

In acute pain models, brucine significantly inhibits response induced by nociceptive heat and mechanical stimulation. Furthermore, thermal hypersensitivity and mechanical allodynia were also alleviated by brucine treatment in a chronic constriction injury (CCI) mouse model. Sodium channel plays a crucial role in neuropathic pain. Electrophysiological results show that brucine inhibits the excitability of DRG neurons directly, the number of action potential (AP) was significantly reduced after brucine treatment, and this kind of inhibition is due to brucine inhibits both tetrodotoxin-sensitive (TTXs) and tetrodotoxin-resistant (TTXr) sodium channel.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, brucine is a novel drug candidate in treating acute and chronic pain diseases, which might be attributed to inhibition the excitability of sodium channel directly.

Potential bactericidal activity of S. nux-vomica-ZnO nanocomposite against multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens and wound-healing properties

Multidrug resistance in bacterial strains has become the greatest challenge for healthcare professionals for treating non-healing ulcers such as diabetic foot infections (DFI). Plant-mediated synthesis of S. nux-vomica-ZnO nanocomposite appears as a potential new alternative therapeutic agent that might be capable of tackling antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens and for treating a non-healing ulcer. The aim of the study was to investigate the antibacterial potential of S. nux-vomica-ZnO nanocomposite biosynthesised from Strychnos nux-vomica against multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) from DFU, wound-healing properties, and cytotoxic effects. The antibacterial potential was assessed by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)/ minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays, time-kill kinetics, protein-leakage, and flow cytometric analysis. The wound-healing properties were assessed by scratch assay on mouse L929 fibroblastic cell line to quantify cell migration towards the injured area. Cytotoxicity was assessed using 3-[4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazol-yl]-2,5-diphenyl- 2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) cellular viability assay on the L929 cell line and human embryonic kidney epithelial (HEK-293) cell line. Strychnos nux-vomica-ZnO nanocomposite at a size range of 10-12 nm exhibited significant bactericidal potency at a concentration of 100-200 μg/ml against MDR-Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, MDR-Escherichia coli, MDR-Pseudomonas aeruginosa, MDR-Acinetobacter baumannii, and also against standard bacterial strains S. aureus ATCC 29213, E. coli ATCC 25922, P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853, E. faecalis ATCC 29212. S. nux-vomica-ZnO nanocomposite also exhibited wound-healing and reduced cytotoxic properties at the antimicrobially active concentrations. Our findings thus suggested remarkable bactericidal properties of S. nux-vomica-ZnO nanocomposite and can be further exploited towards for the development of an antibacterial agent against the threatening superbugs.

Analgesic Activity, Chemical Profiling and Computational Study on Chrysopogon aciculatus

Present study was undertaken to evaluate the analgesic activity of the ethanol extract of Chrysopogon aciculatus. In addition to bioassays in mice, chemical profiling was done by LC-MS and GC-MS to identify phytochemicals, which were further docked on the catalytic site of COX-2 enzymes with a view to suggest the possible role of such phytoconstituents in the observed analgesic activity. Analgesic activity of C. aciculatus was evaluated by acetic acid induced writhing reflex method and hot plate technique. Phytochemical profiling was conducted using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In docking studies, homology model of human COX-2 enzyme was prepared using Easy Modeler 4.0 and the identified phytoconstituents were docked using Autodock Vina. Preliminary acute toxicity test of the ethanol extract of C. aciculatus showed no sign of mortality at the highest dose of 4,000 mg/kg. The whole plant extract significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited acetic acid induced writhing in mice at the doses of 500 and 750 mg/kg. The extract delayed the response time in hot plate test in a dose dependent manner. LC-MS analysis of the plant extract revealed the presence of aciculatin, nudaphantin and 5α,8α-epidioxyergosta-6,22-diene-3β-ol. Three compounds namely citronellylisobutyrate; 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-(2H)-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one and nudaphantin were identified in the n-hexane fraction by GC-MS. Among these compounds, six were found to be interacting with the binding site for arachidonic acid in COX-2 enzyme. Present study strongly supports the traditional use of C. aciculatus in the management of pain. In conclusion, compounds (tricin, campesterol, gamma oryzanol, and citronellyl isobutyrate) showing promising binding affinity in docking studies, along with previously known anti-inflammatory compound aciculatin can be held responsible for the observed activity.

Removal of hERG potassium channel affinity through introduction of an oxygen atom: Molecular insights from structure-activity relationships of strychnine and its analogs

Nux vomica has been effectively used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The processing of Nux vomica is necessary to reduce toxicity before it can be used in clinical practice. However, the mechanism for processing detoxification is unclear. hERG channels have been subjected to a routine test for compound cardiac toxicity in the drug development process. Therefore, we examined the effects and mechanisms of strychnine and brucine, two main ingredients of Nux vomica, and their N-oxides on hERG channels. Strychnine and brucine exhibited concentration-dependent inhibition of hERG channels with IC₅₀ values of 25.9 μM and 44.18 μM, respectively. However, their nitrogen oxidative derivatives produced by processing of Nux vomica, strychnine N-oxide and brucine N-oxide, lost their activity on hERG channels. Compared to their parent compounds, only an oxygen atom was introduced in the nitrogen oxidative isoforms to compensate for the N⁺ - charge, suggesting that the protonated nitrogen is the key group for strychnine and brucine binding to hERG channel. Alanine-mutagenesis identified Y652 is the most important residue for strychnine and brucine binding to hERG channel. Y652A mutation increased the IC₅₀ for strychnine and brucine by 21.64-fold and 29.78-fold that of WT I_hERG, respectively. Docking simulations suggested that the protonated nitrogen of strychnine and brucine formed a cation-π interaction with the aromatic ring of Y652. This study suggests that introduction of an oxygen to compensate for the N⁺ - charge could be a useful strategy for reducing hERG potency and increasing the safety margin of alkaloid-type compounds in drug development.

Hei-Gu-Teng Zhuifenghuoluo Granule Modulates IL-12 Signal Pathway to Inhibit the Inflammatory Response in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of chronic systemic inflammatory disease; it has a very complicated pathogenesis, and multiple pathological changes are implicated. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) like Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. F. or Sinomenium acutum (Thunb.) Rehd et Wils. has been extensively used for centuries in the treatment of arthritic diseases and been reported effective for relieving the severity of RA. Hei-Gu-Teng Zhuifenghuoluo granule (HGT) which contains Periploca forrestii Schltr., Sinomenium acutum (Thunb.) Rehd et Wils., and Lysimachia paridiformis Franch. var. stenophylla Franch. was a representative natural rattan herb formula for the treatment of RA in China, but the mechanism has not been elucidated. This study aimed at exploring the mechanism of HGT on RA using the bioinformatics analysis with in vivo and in vitro experiment validation. The potential action mechanism was first investigated by bioinformatics analysis via Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software. After that, we use experimental validation such as collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice model in vivo and U937 cell model in vitro. The bioinformatics results suggested that HGT may have anti-inflammatory characteristic on RA and IL-12 signaling pathway could be the potential key trigger. In vivo experiments demonstrated that HGT ameliorated the symptoms in CIA mice and decreased the production of inflammatory cytokines in both mice ankle joints and serum. Furthermore, HGT effectively inhibited the activation of IL-12R and STAT4 on IL-12 signaling pathway. In vitro experiments showed that HGT inhibited the production of IL-12R and STAT4 induced by IL-12 in lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) stimulated U937 cells. Moreover, IL-12R knockdown was able to interfere with the inhibition effects of HGT on the production of these cytokines. Our results confirmed the anti-inflammatory property of HGT, which was attributed to its inhibition on IL-12 signaling pathway.

Effect of Ultrasound-Enhanced Transdermal Drug Delivery Efficiency of Nanoparticles and Brucine

Brucine is the active component in traditional Chinese medicine “Ma-Qian-Zi” (Strychnos nux-vomica Linn), with capabilities of analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and so on. It is crucial how to break through the impact of cuticle skin which reduces the penetration of drugs to improve drug transmission rate. The aim of this study is to improve the local drug concentration by using ultrasound. We used fresh porcine skin to study the effects of ultrasound on the transdermal absorption of brucine under the influence of various acoustic parameters, including frequency, amplitude and irradiation time. The transdermal conditions of yellow-green fluorescent nanoparticles and brucine in skin samples were observed by laser confocal microscopy and ultraviolet spectrophotometry. The results show that under ultrasonic conditions, the permeability of the skin to the fluorescent label and brucine (e.g., the depth and concentration of penetration) is increased compared to its passive diffusion permeability. The best ultrasound penetration can make the penetration depth of more than 110 microns, fluorescent nanoparticles and brucine concentration increased to 2-3 times. This work will provide supportive data on how the brucine is better used for transdermal drug delivery (TDD).

Mechanisms of P-Glycoprotein Modulation by Semen Strychni Combined with Radix Paeoniae Alba

Semen Strychni has been extensively used as a Chinese herb, but its therapeutic window is narrowed by the strong toxicity of the compound, which limits its effectiveness. Radix Paeoniae Alba has been reported to reduce the toxic effects and increase the therapeutic effects of Semen Strychni, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. This research aimed to explore the mechanism through which P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is modulated by Semen Strychni combined with Radix Paeoniae Alba in vitro. An MTT assay was used to study cytotoxicity in an MDCK-MDR1 cell model. Rh123 efflux and accumulation were measured to assess P-gp function. The expression levels of MDR1 mRNA and P-gp protein in MDCK-MDR1 cells were investigated. A P-gp ATPase activity assay kit was applied to detect the effect on P-gp ATPase activity. Semen Strychni combined with Radix Paeoniae Alba could induce P-gp-mediated drug transport by inhibiting brucine and strychnine transport in MDCK-MDR1 cells, enhancing the P-gp efflux function, upregulating the P-gp expression and MDR1 mRNA levels, and stimulating P-gp ATPase activity.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of novel NGR-modified liposomes containing brucine

In this study, a novel NGR (Asn-Gly-Arg) peptide-modified liposomal brucine was prepared by using spray-drying method. The surface morphology of the liposomes, encapsulation efficiency and particle size were investigated. The data showed that the addition of NGR did not produce any significant influence on brucine liposomes in terms of particle size or zeta potential. In addition, after 3 months of storage, no dramatic change such as visible aggregation, drug content changes or precipitation in the appearance of NGR-brucine liposomes occurred. The in vitro release results indicated that the release of brucine from NGR liposomes was similar to that of liposomes, demonstrating that the NGR modification did not affect brucine release. The in vitro drug-release kinetic model of NGR-brucine liposomes fitted well with the Weibull's equation. In vivo, NGR-brucine liposomes could significantly extend the bioavailability of brucine; however, there was no significant difference observed in the pharmacokinetic parameters between liposomes and NGR liposomes after intravenous administration. Antitumor activity results showed that NGR-modified liposomes exhibited less toxicity and much higher efficacy in HepG2-bearing mice compared with non-modified liposomes. The enhanced antitumor activity might have occurred because brucine was specifically recognized by NGR receptor on the surface of tumor cells, which enhanced the intracellular uptake of drugs.

A New Strategy for Deleting Animal drugs from Traditional Chinese Medicines based on Modified Yimusake Formula

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), such as Uyghur Medicine (UM) has been used in clinical treatment for many years. TCM is featured as multiple targets and complex mechanisms of action, which is normally a combination of medicinal herbs and sometimes even contains certain rare animal medicinal ingredients. A question arises as to whether these animal materials can be removed replaced from TCM applications due to their valuable rare resources or animal ethics. Here, we select a classical UM Yimusake formula, which contains 3 animal drugs and other 8 herbs, and has got wealthy experience and remarkable achievements in treating erectile dysfunction (ED) in China. The active components, drug targets and therapeutic mechanisms have been comprehensively analyzed by systems-pharmacology methods. Additionally, to validate the inhibitory effects of all candidate compounds on their related targets, in vitro experiments, computational analysis and molecular dynamics simulations were performed. The results show that the modified, original and three animal materials display very similar mechanisms for an effective treatment of ED, indicating that it is quite possible to remove these three animal drugs from the original formula while still keep its efficiency. This work provides a new attempt for deleting animal materials from TCM, which should be important for optimization of traditional medicines.

A Novel Brucine Gel Transdermal Delivery System Designed for Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Activities

The seeds of Strychnos nux-vomica L., as a traditional Chinese medicine, have good anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. However, it usually leads to gastrointestinal irritation and systemic toxicity via oral administration. In the study, it was discovered that a novel gel transdermal delivery system contained brucine, the main effective component extracted from Strychnos nux-vomica. Results showed that the brucine gel system inhibited arthritis symptoms and the proliferation of the synoviocytes in the rat adjuvant arthritis model, which indicated its curative effect for rheumatoid arthritis. Meanwhile, it significantly relieved the xylene-induced ear edema in the mouse ear swelling test, which manifested its anti-inflammatory property. Moreover, the brucine gel eased the pain of paw formalin injection in the formalin test, which demonstrated its analgesic effects. In addition, the brucine significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production without affecting the viability of cell in vitro anti-inflammatory test, which proved that its anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions were related to inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. It is suggested that the brucine gel is a promising vehicle for transdermal delivery on the treatment of inflammatory disease.

Why do Hydrates (Solvates) Form in Small Neutral Organic Molecules? Exploring the Crystal Form Landscapes of the Alkaloids Brucine and Strychnine

Computational methods were used to generate and explore the crystal structure landscapes of the two alkaloids strychnine and brucine. The computed structures were analyzed and rationalized by correlating the modelling results to a rich pool of available experimental data. Despite their structural similarity, the two compounds show marked differences in the formation of solid forms. For strychnine only one anhydrous form is reported in the literature and two new solvates from 1,4-dioxane were detected in the course of this work. In contrast, 22 solid forms are so far known to exist for brucine, comprising two anhydrates, four hydrates (HyA - HyC and a 5.25-hydrate), twelve solvates (alcohols and acetone) and four heterosolvates (mixed solvates with water and alcohols). For strychnine it is hard to produce any solid form other than the stable anhydrate while the formation of specific solid state forms of brucine is governed by a complex interplay between temperature and relative humidity/water activity and it is rather a challenging to avoid hydrate formation. Differences in crystal packing and the high tendency for brucine to form hydrates are not intuitive from the molecular structure alone, as both molecules have hydrogen bond acceptor groups but lack hydrogen bond donor groups. Only the evaluation of the crystal energy landscapes, in particular the close-packed crystal structures and high-energy open frameworks containing voids of molecular (water) dimensions, allowed us to unravel the diverse solid state behavior of the two alkaloids at a molecular level. In this study we demonstrate that expanding the analysis of anhydrate crystal energy landscapes to higher energy structures and calculating the solvent-accessible volume can be used to estimate non-stoichiometric or channel hydrate (solvate) formation, without explicitly computing the hydrate/solvate crystal energy landscapes.

Stoichiometric and Non-Stoichiometric Hydrates of Brucine

The complex interplay of temperature and water activity (a_w) / relative humidity (RH) on the solid form stability and transformation pathways of three hydrates (HyA, HyB and HyC), an isostructural dehydrate (HyA_dehy ), an anhydrate (AH) and amorphous brucine has been elucidated and the transformation enthalpies quantified. The dihydrate (HyA) shows a non-stoichimetric (de)hydration behavior at RH < 40% at 25 °C and the removal of the water molecules results in an isomorphic dehydrate structure. The metastable dehydration product converts to AH upon storage at driest conditions or to HyA if exposed to moisture. HyB is a stoichiometric tetrahydrate. The loss of the water molecules causes HyB to collapse to an amorphous phase. Amorphous brucine transforms to AH at RH < 40% RH and a mixture of hydrated phases at higher RH values. The third hyrdate (HyC) is only stable at RH ≥ 55% at 25 °C and contains 3.65 to 3.85 mole equivalent of water. Dehydration of HyC occurs in one step at RH < 55% at 25 °C or upon heating and AH is obtained. The AH is the thermodynamically most stable phase of brucine at RH < 40% at 25 °C. Depending on the conditions, temperature and a_w, each of the three hydrates becomes the thermodynamically most stable form. This study demonstrates the importance of applying complimentary analytical techniques and appropriate approaches for understanding the stability ranges and transition behavior between the solid forms of compounds with multiple hydrates.

Evaluation of the effects of active fractions of chinese medicine formulas on IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α release from ANA-1 murine macrophages

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Yaotongning (YTN) is a traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that contains ten component medicinal materials (CMMs) and uses Chinese rice wine as a vehicle to enhance its efficacy. YTN has been used for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment in China for decades and has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, as well as to strengthen the immune system.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present work quantitatively evaluated the in vitro effects of active fractions from the ten CMMs that make up YTN and eight additional herbs commonly used in TCM formulas for RA treatment, as well as different combinations of these active fractions, on cellular immune response; the findings were used to determine which active fractions are responsible for promoting an immune response, and to assess whether YTN is superior to other similar formulas and whether YTN can be improved by simplifying its formula from the point of its cellular immunomodulatory activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using the YTN formulation principles and some concepts in combinatorial chemistry, 27 TCM samples were designed by combining some or all of the active fractions of YTN and other eight herbs used for RA treatment. Release of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) from ANA-1 murine macrophages was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The immunoregulatory effects of the TCM samples were evaluated by comparing their half-effective concentrations (EC50) for stimulating the release of these cytokines.

RESULTS

Among the investigated active fractions, the flavonoids from Carthamus tinctorius (Fct), Davallia mariesii (Fdm), and Cinnamomum cassia Twig volatile oils (Vca) from the eight selected herbs effectively promoted IL-1β and IL-6 release from ANA-1 cells. Saponins from the YTN CMM Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Sgu) were the most potent promoters of IL-1β and TNF-α release. The aqueous extract of YTN CMM Eupolyphaga sinensis (Ves) strongly enhanced the release of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α from ANA-1 cells. The EC50 values for stimulating the secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α could be determined for only six samples. The full YTN formula and the sample containing 50% Glycyrrhiza uralensis saponins, 25% of the mixture of alkaloids, and 25% of the mixture of all flavonoids exhibited good comprehensive cellular immunomodulatory activity. The immunomodulatory activity of the complete YTN formula was better than that of the sample containing all active fractions of YTN without Chinese rice wine (the YTN vehicle).

CONCLUSIONS

Sgu and Ves are the primary active fractions of YTN involved in stimulating immune responses. The YTN prescription was reasonably effective at promoting cellular immune responses. Chinese rice wine, the YTN vehicle, strengthened the immunoregulatory activity of YTN. The results of this study demonstrate that the YTN recipe could be improved by reducing the number of CMMs and altering some active fractions without reducing its activity to promote cellular immune responses.

A systems pharmacology approach to investigate the mechanisms of action of Semen Strychni and Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE

The angiogenesis control at the initiation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that mainly blocks the inflammatory cascades expects to attenuate the action of angiogenic mediators, synovial angiogenesis, and to partially reverse the erosive bone damage. Two typical Chinese herbs, Semen Strychni and Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TwHF) have been used as a remedy to treat RA since ancient time. However, their functioning mechanisms are still unknown. Thus it is necessary to exploit their underlying mechanism for the treatment of RA.

METHODS

This study was undertaken to analyze their underlying mechanism based on a systems biology platform. Firstly, active components of the two herbs were screened out from TcmSP database based on their OB and DL values. Then their potential targets were predicted by using Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, and validated via docking process. Finally, a network of compound-target was constructed.

RESULTS

In this work, 27 and 33 active compounds were screened out from Semen Strychni and TwHF, targeting 28 and 32 potential proteins, respectively. The results show that the two herbs modulate the angiogenesis mediators through both direct and indirect pathways, and 21 common targets shared by Semen Strychni and TwHF bear major responsibility for treating RA.

CONCLUSIONS

The underlying mechanism of Semen Strychni and TwHF in treatment of RA is through multiple targets interaction by their blocking of the angiogenesis mediator cascades. This may provide us a better understanding of the function of the two herbs for the treatment of RA, as well as a clue to unveil their possible treatment effects of other systemic diseases, and in this way, hopefully the screening models may facilitate the discovery of novel combined drugs.

Evaluation of antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of standardised rootbark extract of Xeromphis nilotica

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Xeromphis nilotica (Stapf) Keay (Rubiaceae), popularly known as 'barbaji' (in Nigeria), is a lowland shrub that grows wild in tropical areas of Africa and Asia. The plant׳s extract is used for the treatment of various diseases in folk medicine including pain related ailments. Important bioactive constituents have been isolated from the plant among them are coumarin, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and terpenes. This study is aimed to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory efficacy of standardised aqueous extract of the plant using in vivo models of pain and inflammation in mice and rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Aqueous extract of Xeromphis nilotica root bark was prepared and standardised using HPLC technique. Three dose levels (25, 100 and 400mg/kg) of the extract were used, administered orally to laboratory mice and rats. Acetylsalicylic acid (100mg/kg, p.o.) was used as the positive control. Nociception was induced in laboratory rodents: chemically using acetic acid and formalin, and mechanically using analgesy meter; while inflammation was induced using fresh raw egg albumin.

RESULTS

The extract showed 11 constituents peak profiles in the HPLC analysis. The extract alleviates mice response to acetic acid-induced writhing, analgesy-meter and formalin tests. It significantly decreased the oedema induced by egg albumin induced inflammation, but failed to show significant effect beyond 80min of the test.

CONCLUSION

The extract has antinociceptive effect and short acting anti-inflammatory activities. The results justify its usage in the treatment of pain and inflammatory conditions, and also provided evidence of its potential as source of new pain relief drug prototype.

Quantitative evaluation of in vitro effects and interactions of active fractions in a Chinese medicinal formula (Yaotongning Capsule) on rat chondrocytes

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Yaotongning Capsule (YTNC) is a Traditional Chinese Medicinal (TCM) formula that has been demonstrated to be effective for osteoarthritis (OA) treatment in clinical use. Many compounds and 10 component medicinal materials (CMMs for short, i.e., the fundamental elements used in TCM formulas) in YTNC are challenging to study the pharmacological effects and interactions of the CMMs. Besides, it is difficult to know whether the YTNC formula is reasonable, and if YTNC formula could be improved without comparing YTNC with other TCM formulas of treating OA. Based on different combinations of the active fractions from the 10 CMMs of YTNC and eight additional herbs frequently used in the TCM formulas of treating OA, the present study evaluated systematically the in vitro effects of these active fractions and the interactions among the active fractions from YTNC on rat chondrocytes to find possible solutions of the above questions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Based on the formulation of YTNC and the concept of combinatorial chemistry, the active fractions were applied to form the whole YTNC prescription (i.e., the combination of all YTNC active fractions and the extract of YTNC׳s vehicle), five disassembled formulas of YTNC (i.e., the combinations of some active fractions in YTNC) and 21 TCM samples consisted of different kinds of active fractions. The degenerated chondrocytes were induced with interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and then the half-effective concentration (EC50) value of the proliferation activity was analyzed to evaluate the 27 TCM samples. Nine samples were screened for the following evaluation on glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis. Rat articular cartilage was obtained from six Sprague-Dawley rats (seven days of age), and then chondrocytes were isolated through enzymatic digestion with 0.2% Collagenase II. Proliferations of chondrocytes were examined through Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, when the intracellular levels of GAG were detected by 1,9-Dimethylmethylene blue staining. The interactions between the active fractions in YTNC were evaluated by comparing experimental EC50 values of the YTNC formulas with their additive EC50 values. The effects of every active fraction were estimated by comparing the EC50 values of the TCM sample containing the active fraction with that of the initial sample without the active fraction.

RESULTS

The whole formula of YTNC was very good at promoting the proliferation and GAG synthesis among all the 27 TCM samples. The vehicle of YTNC (Chinese rice wine) strengthened the two activities of YTNC. Refer to promoting the proliferation in chondrocytes, Davallia mariesii flavonoids (not belong to YTNC) were more potent than Glycyrrhiza uralensis flavonoids in YTNC, while the saponins, volatile oils and polysaccharides of YTNC were more potent than those from the eight additional herbs. Some samples including fewer active fractions were as good as YTNC. The YTNC formula and its disassembled formulas exhibited good activities both in promoting the proliferation and GAG synthesis, and the whole formula was most potent among the six YTNC formulas.

CONCLUSIONS

The YTNC formula is reasonable and has advantage in promoting the proliferation and GAG synthesis in IL-1β induced chondrocytes. YTNC׳s vehicle Chinese rice wine plays an important role in strengthening the activity of YTNC. YTNC may have the potential activity on treating chondrocytes degeneration caused by OA. However, the formula still can be simplified based on the combination of alkaloids, flavonoids and 50% of saponins from Glycyrrhiza uralensis to improve its quality controllability and safety. The present study can be a quite purposeful work for developing new YTNC-based formulas with maximal therapeutic efficacy and minimal adverse effects.

Investigation on the spectrum-effect relationships of Da-Huang-Fu-Zi-Tang in rats by UHPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS method

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Da-Huang-Fu-Zi-Tang (DHFZT) is a crucial TCM formula commonly used for the treatment of acute pancreatitis in Chinese clinical application. Our previous work found that DHFZT could act against pancreatic injury in rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). The goal of this paper was to study the underlying correlations between the chemical spectra and the protective effect of DHFZT on pancreatic acinar cell to reveal the real bioactive compounds in DHFZT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The fingerprint chromatograms of rat serum after oral administration of DHFZT were established by UHPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS technique. At the same time, the model of anti-acute pancreatitis on cells was established by adding 10(-7) mol/L cerulein to AR42J cell line, and the protective effects of the serum on pancreatic acinar cell from injury was evaluated by detecting the efficacy of amylase. Then, the spectrum-effect relationships between UHPLC fingerprints and anti-acute pancreatitis activities were evaluated using canonical correlation analysis (CCA) statistical method. The chromatogram separation was performed on a C18 reversed phase UHPLC column (2.1 mm × 100 mm, 3.5 μm, Agilent), the column temperature was set at 35°C. The mobile phase consisted of 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile with gradient elution. The serum samples were analyzed both in negative and positive ion mode. The mother and productive ions were scanned within the mass range of m/z 100-1200 and 50-1200, respectively. A thorough analysis of a great deal of information of the constituents in the rat serum was undertaken. The structure identification of the detected compounds was achieved by using high resolution MS values as well as the MS/MS fragments.

RESULTS

Eighteen peaks in rat serum after oral administration of DHFZT were detected within only 30 min recorded chromatograms. The structure of the 18 compounds were then given out, of which 10 were the original form of compounds absorbed from DHFZT, 8 were the metabolites of the compounds existed in rat serum. According to the CCA results, talatisamine, rhein glucoside, rhein isomer methylation, hypaconine, hydroxyl-chrysophanol, emodin glucuronide conjugation, and chrysophanol glucuronide conjugation were finally found to be the main anti-acute pancreatitis components in DHFZT.

CONCLUSIONS

The model presented in this paper successfully discovered the spectrum-effect relationships of DHFZT, which showed a representative way to discover the primary active ingredients from the complicated herbal drugs.

Quantitative evaluation of the in vitro effect and interactions of active fractions in Yaotongning-based formulae on prostaglandin E₂ production

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula of Yaotongning Capsules (YTNC) is a common remedy to treat rheumatism (RA) in China and possesses diverse biological activities including anti-inflammation. However the effects of component material medicines (CMMs) in YTNC and different combinations of the CMMs on the efficacy of YTNC and the interactions of these CMMs have been being unclear due to ten CMMs and too many compounds involved in YTNC. Moreover, many TCM formulae are available for treating RA according to TCM theory. It is unknown if the YTNC prescription is better than other TCM formulae for treating RA or better efficacy could be obtained when some CMMs in YTNC are replaced by other herbs. Quantitatively investigate the in vitro effect of active fractions from the CMMs of YTNC and other eight herbs commonly used in the TCM formulae for RA treatment on anti-inflammatory activity of different combinations of the active fractions, the interactions of the active fractions to evaluate the reasonability, advantage (or disadvantage) of the YTNC prescription and to see if the prescription could be improved from the point of anti-inflammation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-six active fractions, which were categorized as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, volatile oils/aqueous extracts and polysaccharides were prepared to design TCM samples by combining some of the active fractions, based on the YTNC formulating principle, combination chemistry concept and the importance of the active fractions in YTNC. The anti-inflammatory activities of the samples were evaluated by their half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values that inhibiting the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in ANA-1 murine macrophages (ANA-1 cells). The cells plated in 96-well plates were classified into blank group and test sample group. Each group was stimulated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS, 1 mg/mL) for 2h. ANA-1 cells were pretreated with different concentrations of test samples prior to the addition of arachidonic acid (10 μmol/L). The supernatants were collected and measured using PGE2 ELISA Kit, and the cytotoxicity was assayed by cell counting Kit-8 (CCK8)-based test. The interactions of the active fractions in YTNC were evaluated by comparing the experimental IC50 values of the samples derived from YTNC to their corresponding additive IC50 values. The effect of each active fraction on cellular anti-inflammation-PGE2 secretion inhibition activity, and the reasonability, advantages (or disadvantages) of YTNC were evaluated based on the comparison of IC50 values of the samples.

RESULTS

The disassembled formulae consisted of some active fractions of YTNC and the whole prescription of YTNC consisted of the all active fractions from YTNC all demonstrate cellular anti-inflammatory activity, and there were no significant differences between these formulae. The vehicle of YTNC Chinese rice wine exhibits the ability to enhance the cellular anti-inflammation of YTNC. Synergistic effect exerts in the combination of alkaloids, flavonoids and saponins of YTNC, antagonistic or additive effects occur in the other combinations of active fractions from YTNC. The anti-inflammatory activities of some TCM samples which include some active fractions from the eight selected herbs are significantly higher than the samples derived from YTNC. The flavonoids of Carthamus tinctorius, the volatile oils of Cinnamomum cassia and Angelica pubescens perform better in cellular anti-inflammation than the flavonoids and volatile oils in YTNC.

CONCLUSIONS

The prescription of YTNC is reasonable in the view of anti-inflammation. The saponins and polysaccharides from the CMMs of YTNC have better anti-inflammatory activities than the saponins and polysaccharides from the other eight herbs. Reducing the varieties of YTNC CMMs and replacing the flavonoids and volatile oils of YTNC with the flavonoids of Carthamus tinctorius and the volatile oils of Cinnamomum cassia (or Angelica pubescens) would improve the safety and anti-inflammatory activity of YTNC. Synthetically evaluating various pharmacological activities of TCM formulae designed in the present work may lead to develop more effective and safer TCM using YTNC as prototypes.

Pharmacological evaluation of total alkaloids from nux vomica: effect of reducing strychnine contents

The aim of the study was to investigate the possibility of improving the therapeutic efficacy of the total alkaloid fraction (TAF) extracted from processed nux vomica by reducing the strychnine contents. Most strychnine was removed from TAF to obtain the modified total alkaloid fraction (MTAF). The toxicity and pharmacokinetics of TAF and MTAF were further investigated and compared besides their antitumor, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. The results showed that the ratios of brucine to strychnine were 1:2.05 and 2.2:1 for TAF and MTAF, respectively, and the toxicity of TAF was about 3.17-fold higher than that of MTAF. Compared to brucine alone, the elimination of brucine was found to be inhibited by other alkaloids in TAF or MTAF except strychnine. Significantly increased pharmacological activities when administered by the oral route were obtained with MTAF in comparison to TAF and nux vomica powder (NVP). In summary, MTAF might replace NVP and TAF in the clinical application of Chinese medicine to obtain much higher efficacy.

Metabolism of brucine: the important metabolic pathways of dihydroindole-type alkaloid for excretion in rats

Background: Brucine is a widely prescribed glycine antagonist, but a complete understanding of its metabolic pathway is still lacking. The present work represents the first investigation of in vivo metabolism of brucine in rats using LC–ESI-ion trap-TOF-MS. Results: A total of 12 Phase I and five Phase II metabolites were tentatively identified. Brucine can be metabolized by hydrolysis, demethylation and methoxylation, in addition to diverse oxidations in a Phase I manner followed by glucuronidation in Phase II metabolism. Both the renal and biliary routes were observed for the excretion of brucine and its metabolites. Conclusion: Our results update the metabolism and disposition data on brucine, which provides basic information for better understanding of the pharmacological and toxicological activities of brucine-containing medicines.

Brucine, an alkaloid from seeds of Strychnos nux-vomica Linn., represses hepatocellular carcinoma cell migration and metastasis: the role of hypoxia inducible factor 1 pathway

Brucine is an alkaloid derived from the seeds of Strychnos nux-vomica Linn. which have long been used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in China. HCC prognosis can be greatly influenced by metastasis. There has thus far been little research into brucine as a source of anti-metastasis activity against HCC. In this study, we revealed that brucine dramatically repressed HepG2 and SMMC-7721 HCC cell migration with few cytotoxic effects. Hypoxia inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is a key transcription factor mediating cell migration and invasion. Brucine suppressed HIF-1-dependent luciferase activity in HepG2 cells. The transcriptions of four known HIF-1 target genes involved in HCC metastasis, i.e., fibronectin, matrix metallopeptidase 2, lysyl oxidase, and cathepsin D, were also attenuated after brucine treatment. Experiments in vivo showed that an intraperitoneal injection of 5 and 15 mg/kg of brucine resulted in dose-dependent decreases in the lung metastasis of H22 ascitic hepatoma cells. Moreover, a dosage of brucine at 15 mg/kg exhibited very low toxic effects to tumor-bearing mice. Consistently, brucine downregulated expression levels of HIF-1 responsive genes in vivo. Our current study demonstrated the capacity of brucine in suppressing HCC cell migration in vitro and lung metastasis in vivo. The inhibition of the HIF-1 pathway is implicated in the anti-metastasis activity of brucine.

Dynamic detection of non-protein-bound strychnine and brucine in rabbit muscle and synovial fluid after topical application of total Strychnos alkaloid patches

Semen Strychni, a known toxic drug in Chinese pharmacopoeia, is notable for its therapeutic effects on local muscle and joint pain. However, oral administration can be risky. Topically administered drugs accumulate in the topical muscles and knee joints without any major increase in plasma levels; only non-protein-bound drugs in the biological fluids of target tissues are effective for therapeutic effects. A sensitive and rapid ultra performance liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) method coupled with a microdialysis technique was developed to determine the non-protein-bound strychnine (Str) and brucine (Bru) in rabbit muscle and synovial fluid microdialysate. The UPLC separation was carried out using a 1.7μm BEH C18 column (50 mm × 2.1 mm) with a mobile phase consisting of methanol: water (29.5:70.5, v/v) with 0.1% formic acid and 20 mM ammonium acetate in water. The method was validated at concentrations ranging from 0.58 ng/ml to 467.20 ng/ml for Str and from 0.42 ng/ml to 422.40 ng/ml for Bru. Intra-day and inter-day accuracy ranged from 99.1% to 103.2% for Str and from 95.8% to 108.8% for Bru with intra-day and inter-day precision within 9.7%. The proposed method was successfully applied to determine non-protein-bound Str and Bru, and the analysates concentration remained stable in rabbit muscle and synovial fluid after topical application of total Strychnos alkaloid patches, which indicated that total Strychnos alkaloid patches could substitute for the traditional oral administration of Semen Strychni.

Evaluation of the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of brucine following transdermal administration

Before the design of brucine-containing transdermal formulations, the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of brucine following transdermal administration should be evaluated. In this study, the effect of addition of ethanol on solubility of bruicne was investigated and 20% ethanol was added into PBS to obtain 10mg/mL brucine solution. Then three transdermal doses (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) were administered to mice to evaluate pharmacological activity. It had been demonstrated that brucine possessed analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity in a dose-dependent manner. Cytotoxicities of brucine against various tumor cells including skin tumor cell were also compared in vitro. Brucine was found to possess antitumor activity in a concentration and time-dependent manner and gastrointestinal tumor cells seemed to be more sensitive to brucine. Then in vitro skin permeation behavior and in vivo pharmacokinetics following transdermal administration were further investigated. The cumulative amounts of brucine across mouse skin in vitro were found to be higher than 90%. The absolute bioavailability of brucine was determined to be 40.83%. And compared with intravenous administration, MRT and T1/2 values were increased about 8~12-fold by transdermal route. Moreover, fluctuations of drug levels were found to be significantly decreased in tissues, especially in brain. Finally, no dermal toxicity of brucine was observed. The results of this study indicated that transdermal administration might be beneficial for the sustained efficacy and reduced toxicity of brucine.

Naturally derived anti-inflammatory compounds from Chinese medicinal plants

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Though inflammatory response is beneficial to body damage repair, if it is out of control, it can produce adverse effects on the body. Although purely western anti-inflammatory drugs, orthodox medicines, can control inflammation occurrence and development, it is not enough. The clinical efficacy of anti-inflammation therapies is unsatisfactory, thus the search for new anti-inflammation continues. Chinese Material Medica (CMM) remains a promising source of new therapeutic agents. CMM and herbal formulae from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), unorthodox medicines, play an improtant anti-inflammatory role in multi-targets, multi-levels, and multi-ways in treating inflammation diseases in a long history in China, based on their multi-active ingredient characteristics. Due to these reasons, recently, CMM has been commercialized as an anti-inflammation agent which has become increasingly popular in the world health drug markets. Major research contributions in ethnopharmacology have generated vast amount of data associated with CMM in anti-inflammtion aspect. Therefore, a systematic introduction of CMM anti-inflammatory research progress is of great importance and necessity.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This paper strives to describe the progress of CMM in the treatment of inflammatory diseases from different aspects, and provide the essential theoretical support and scientific evidence for the further development and utilization of CMM resources as a potential anti-inflammation drug through a variety of databases.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Literature survey was performed via electronic search (SciFinder®, Pubmed®, Google Scholar and Web of Science) on papers and patents and by systematic research in ethnopharmacological literature at various university libraries.

RESULTS

This review mainly introduced the current research on the anti-inflammatory active ingredient, anti-inflammatory effects of CMM, their mechanism, anti-inflammatory drug development of CMM, and toxicological information.

CONCLUSION

CMM is used clinically to treat inflammation symptoms in TCM, and its effect is mediated by multiple targets through multiple active ingredients. Although scholars around the world have made studies on the anti-inflammatory studies of CMM from different pathways and aspects and have made substantial progress, further studies are warranted to delineate the inflammation actions in more cogency models, establish the toxicological profiles and quality standards, assess the potentials of CMM in clinical applications, and make more convenient preparations easy to administrate for patients. Development of the clinically anti-inflammatory drugs are also warranted.