Screening of plants used in Danish folk medicine to treat depression and anxiety for affinity to the serotonin transporter and inhibition of MAO-A

Borago Officinalis L.: A Review Oon Extraction, Phytochemical, and Pharmacological Activities

Borago officinalis L., an annual herb belonging to the Boraginaceae family, is used in the traditional medical practices of various countries and for multiple treatments, including respiratory disorders, colds, influenza, diarrhea, cramps, inflammation, palpitation, hypertension menopause, and post-menopausal symptoms. Its pharmacological properties and biological activities - among them antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, antigenotoxic, and anti-obesity activity - were demonstrated in vitro and in vivo and are related to its rich content of bioactive compounds (mainly phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, alkaloids, and terpenes) extracted from various parts of B. officinalis including leaves, flowers, seeds, and roots. This review summarizes all updated information on applied extraction processes, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity of B. officinalis.

Exploring the journey of emodin as a potential neuroprotective agent: Novel therapeutic insights with molecular mechanism of action

Emodin is an anthraquinone derivative found in the roots and bark of a variety of plants, molds, and lichens. Emodin has been used as a traditional medication for more than 2000 years and is still common in numerous herbal drugs. Emodin is plentiful in the three plant families, including Polygonaceae (Rheum, Rumex, and Polygonum spp.), Fabaceae (Cassia spp.), and Rhamnaceae (Rhamnus, Frangula, and Ventilago spp.). Emerging experimental evidences indicate that emodin confers a wide range of pharmacological activities; special focus was implemented toward neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cerebral ischemia, anxiety and depression, schizophrenia, chronic hyperglycemic peripheral neuropathy, etc. Numerous preclinical evidences were established in support of the neuroprotection of emodin. However, this review highlighted the role of emodin as a potent neurotherapeutic agent; therefore, its evidence-based functionality on neurological disorders (NDs).

Medicinal Plants in the Treatment of Depression: Evidence from Preclinical Studies

Medicinal plants and their extracts are natural remedies with enormous potential for treating various diseases, including depression and anxiety. In the case of depression, hundreds of plants have traditionally been used in folk medicine for generations. Different plant extracts and natural products have been analyzed as potential antidepressant agents with validated models to test for antidepressant-like effects in animals, although other complementary studies have also been employed. Most of these studies focus on the possible mediators implicated in these potential effects, with dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline being the principal neurotransmitters implicated, both through interference with receptors and with their metabolism by monoamino oxidases, as well as through neuro-endocrine and neuroprotective effects. There are approximately 650 reports of antidepressant-like medicinal plants in PubMed; 155 of them have been compiled in this review, with a relevant group yielding positive results. Saffron and turmeric are the most relevant species studied in both preclinical and clinical studies; St. John's wort or kava have also been tested extensively. To the best of our knowledge, no review to date has provided a comprehensive understanding of the biomolecular mechanisms of action of these herbs or of whether their potential effects could have real benefits. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide an update regarding medicinal plants from the year 2000 to the present to examine the therapeutic potential of these antidepressant-like plants in order to contribute to the development of new therapeutic methods to alleviate the tremendous burden that depression causes worldwide.

Novel serotonin-boosting effect of incense smoke from Kynam agarwood in mice: The involvement of multiple neuroactive pathways

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Stress is a state of feeling that inhibits one from responding properly in the face of a threat. Agarwood smoke has been used in traditional medicine as a sedative anti-anxious, and anti-restless therapy. Its scent emitted from heat induces people to enter a stable state; however, the underlying molecular effect is still unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study analyzed novel biological events and gene expression signatures induced by agarwood incense smoke in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Incense smoke was produced by heating at 150 °C for 30 min in a headspace autosampler oven. We treated mice with exposure to incense smoke from Kynam agarwood for 45 min/day for 7 consecutive days. After a 7-day inhalation period, the potent agarwood smoke affected-indicators in serum were measured, and the RNA profiles of the mouse brains were analyzed by microarray to elucidate the biological events induced by agarwood incense smoke.

RESULTS

Chemical profile analysis showed that the major component in the incense smoke of Kynam was 2-(2-phenylethyl) chromone (26.82%). Incense smoke from Kynam induced mice to enter a stable state and increased the levels of serotonin in sera. The emotion-related pathways, including dopaminergic synapse, serotonergic synapse, GABAergic synapse, long-term depression and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, were significantly affected by incense smoke. Moreover, the expression of Crhr2 and Chrnd genes, involved with neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway, was upregulated by incense smoke.

CONCLUSIONS

By a newly-established incense smoke exposure system, we first identified that anti-anxious and anti-depressant effects of agarwood incense smoke were likely associated with the increase of serotonin levels and multiple neuroactive pathways in mice.

Global survey of medicinal plants during lactation and postpartum recovery: Evolutionary perspectives and contemporary health implications

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cross-cultural comparison of plants used during lactation and the postpartum period offers insight into a largely overlooked area of ethnopharmacological research. Potential roles of phytochemicals in emerging models of interaction among immunity, inflammation, microbiome and nervous system effects on perinatal development have relevance for the life-long health of individuals and of populations in both traditional and contemporary contexts.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Delineate and interpret patterns of traditional and contemporary global use of medicinal plants ingested by mothers during the postpartum period relative to phytochemical activity on immune development and gastrointestinal microbiome of breastfed infants, and on maternal health.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Published reviews and surveys on galactagogues and postpartum recovery practices plus ethnobotanical studies from around the world were used to identify and rank plants, and ascertain regional use patterns. Scientific literature for 20 most-cited plants based on frequency of publication was assessed for antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antidepressant, analgesic, galactagogic and safety properties.

RESULTS

From compilation of 4418 use reports related to 1948 species, 105 plant taxa were recorded ≥7 times, with the most frequently cited species, Foeniculum vulgare, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Pimpinella anisum, Euphorbia hirta and Asparagus racemosus, 81, 64, 42, 40 and 38 times, respectively. Species and use vary globally, illustrated by the pattern of aromatic plants of culinary importance versus latex-producing plants utilized in North Africa/Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa with opposing predominance. For 18/20 of the plants a risk/benefit perspective supports assessment that positive immunomodulation and related potential exceed any safety concerns. Published evidence does not support a lactation-enhancing effect for nearly all the most-cited plants while antidepressant data for the majority of plants are predominately limited to animal studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Within a biocultural context traditional postpartum plant use serves adaptive functions for the mother-infant dyad and contributes phytochemicals absent in most contemporary diets and patterns of ingestion, with potential impacts on allergic, inflammatory and other conditions. Polyphenolics and other phytochemicals are widely immunologically active, present in breast milk and predominately non-toxic. Systematic analysis of phytochemicals in human milk, infant lumen and plasma, and immunomodulatory studies that differentiate maternal ingestion during lactation from pregnancy, are needed. Potential herb-drug interaction and other adverse effects should remain central to obstetric advising, but unless a plant is specifically shown as harmful, considering potential contributions to health of individuals and populations, blanket advisories against postpartum herbal use during lactation appear empirically unwarranted.

Use of Complementary Alternative Medicine and the Associated Factors among Patients with Depression

Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) has been widely used in the world, but limited data are available on the use of CAM in depression. This study aimed to evaluate the use of CAM and its associated factors in depression. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 depressed patients referred to the Yasuj Neurology and Psychiatric Clinic, southern Iran, between 2019 and 2020. A valid semistructured international questionnaire was used; amongst the participants, 230 (77%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 41.47 ± 12.2 years and the mean duration of the disease was 4.49 ± 4.88 years. The prevalence of CAM use was 37.6% among the patients. The results showed a significant difference between the CAM users and nonusers regarding the disease duration (p=0.045) and body mass index (p=0.007). Moreover, the results of logistic regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between CAM use and female gender, disease duration, overweight, obesity, and self-employment (p=0.039, p=0.028, p=0.029, p=0.048, and p=0.044, resp.). The most frequently used type of CAM was herbal medicine (97.35%) followed by pray therapy (23.89%). Additionally, the most widely used herbs were borage (77%), chamomile (46.9%), and lavender (21.2%). Furthermore, 62.8% of the patients reported that their main reason for using CAM was its effectiveness. The majority of the patients (77%) had not consulted their physicians prior to utilization of CAM therapies. Herbal medicine was the most common form of CAM in depression, with a high satisfaction level. Thus, it is necessary to increase physicians' awareness in different fields of CAM.

A Review on the Phytochemistry, Ethnobotanical Uses and Pharmacology of Borago Species

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Borago L., (family Boraginaceae) is a small genus of annual or perennial herbs with branched flowers, which is commonly found in the Mediterranean region. Some species known as Gavzabȃn in Asian and some African countries are traditionally used instead of Borago. Aims of the review: The purpose of this study was to provide comprehensive scientific information on phytochemistry, traditional uses and pharmacological activities of Borago species to provide an insight into further research on the therapeutic potential of these plants. In many studies, it has been shown that different parts of Borago species, including leaves, flowers, seeds, roots and aerial parts possess numerous ethnobotanical values.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All ethnobotanical, phytochemical, pharmacological, and clinical data were collected from online journals, magazines and books (all of which were published in English, Arabic, and Persian) from 1968 to 2018. Electronic databases such as Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Researchgate, and other online collections were used.

RESULTS

The phytochemical studies on five species showed a wide range of phytochemicals belonging to different classes of secondary metabolites. From a pharmacological point of view, different extracts and fractions, essential oils, and pure compounds isolated from various Borago species have shown diverse activities in in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies confirming various traditional uses of Borago genus.

CONCLUSION

Considering the reported activities of the Borago genus both in traditional and modern medicine, further studies on biological aspects and identification of the mechanism of action for drug discovery are highly required.

Changes in the Content of Some Groups of Phenolic Compounds and Biological Activity of Extracts of Various Parts of Heather (Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull) at Different Growth Stages

Heather (Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull.) is noted for a diverse chemical composition and a broad range of biological activity. The current study was aimed at monitoring changes in the accumulation of certain groups of phenolic compounds in various organs of heather (leaves, stems, roots, rhizomes, flowers, and seeds) at different growth stages (vegetative, floral budding, flowering, and seed ripening) as well as studying antioxidant (employing the DPPH and FRAP assays) and antibacterial activity of its extracts. The highest total amount of phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids, and proanthocyanidins was detected in leaves and roots at all growth stages, except for the flowering stage. At the flowering stage, the highest content of some groups of phenolic compounds (flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and anthocyanins) was observed in flowers. Highest antioxidant activity was recorded for the flower extracts (about 500 mg of ascorbic acid equivalents per gram according to the DPPH assay) and for the leaf extract at the ripening stage (about 350 mg of ascorbic acid equivalents per gram according to the FRAP assay). Strong correlation was noted between antioxidant activity (DPPH) and the content of anthocyanins (r = 0.75, p ≤ 0.01) as well as between antioxidant activity (FRAP) and the total content of phenolic compounds (r = 0.77, p ≤ 0.01). Leaf extracts and stem extracts turned out to perform antibacterial action against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, whereas root extracts appeared to be active only against B. subtilis, and rhizome extracts against E. coli.

Phenolic profile and effects of acetone fractions obtained from the inflorescences of Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull on vaginal pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria

The phenolic profile and the antibacterial activity against pathogenic commensal vaginal bacteria exhibited by different fractions of the acetone extract of heather were assessed. The acetone extract of Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull was fractionated by silica gel column chromatography through an eluent system of increasing polarity, and 10 different fractions (Fr 1 to Fr 10) were obtained. The phenolic profile was analyzed by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS. Type B (epi)catechin dimers, (-)-epicatechin and (+)-catechin, were the main phenolic compounds present in the fractions. The antibacterial activity was also analyzed against pathogenic bacteria and the effect on the beneficial microflora was also assessed. Some of the obtained fractions revealed the capacity to inhibit pathogenic microorganisms without affecting the beneficial microflora, especially Fr 7 and Fr 8. For instance, Neisseria gonorrhoeae was inhibited by both of the fractions, while Fr 7 was more active against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Morganella morganii, and Fr 8 was active against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), without affecting the Lactobacillus strains. This study corroborates the therapeutic use of this matrix in traditional medicine.

The Antidepressant-like Effect of Flavonoids from Trigonella Foenum-Graecum Seeds in Chronic Restraint Stress Mice via Modulation of Monoamine Regulatory Pathways

Fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum-Graecum) seeds flavonoids (FSF) have diverse biological activities, while the antidepressant-like effect of FSF has been seldom explored. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidepressant-like effect of FSF and to identify the potential molecular mechanisms. LC-MS/MS was used for the determination of FSF. Chronic restraint stress (CRS) was used to establish the animal model of depression. Observation of exploratory behavior in the forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST) and sucrose preference test (SPT) indicated the stress level. The serum corticosterone (CORT) level was measured. The monoamine neurotransmitters (5-HT, NE and DA) and their metabolites, as well as monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) enzyme activity in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum, were evaluated. The protein expression levels of KLF11, SIRT1, MAO-A were also determined by western blot analysis. The results showed that FSF treatment significantly reversed the CRS-induced behavioral abnormalities, including reduced sucrose preference and increased immobility time. FSF administration markedly restored CRS induced changes in concentrations of serum corticosterone, prefrontal cortex neurotransmitters (NE, 5-HT and DA), hippocampus neurotransmitters (NE, 5-HT and DA) and striatum neurotransmitters (NE). FSF treatment exhibited significant inhibition of MAO-A activity in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. FSF also significantly down-regulated the KLF11, SIRT1 and MAO-A protein expression levels in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. These findings indicate that FSF could exhibit an antidepressant-like effect by down-regulating the KLF11/SIRT1-MAO-A pathways, inhibiting MAO-A expression and activity, as well as up-regulating monoamine neurotransmitters levels.

Potential plant-derived catecholaminergic activity enhancers for neuropharmacological approaches: A review

BACKGROUND

Catecholamines (CAs) have been reported to be involved in numerous functions including central nervous system. CA release from the intra neuronal storage vesicles aid in the therapy of various neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders where the catecholaminergic neurotransmission is compromised. Bioavailability of CA at the synapse can be increased through stimulated neurotransmitter release, monoamine oxidase and CA reuptake inhibition. Plant based galenicals are reported to have similar CA enhancement activities and have been used for the management of neurological disorders.

AIM

To review evidence-based literature with plant extracts, bioactive compounds, and composite extracts that modulate central catecholaminergic system, thereby enhancing CA activity for beneficial neurological effect.

METHODS

Electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect were used to search scientific contributions until January 2018, using relevant keywords. Literature focusing plant-derived CA enhancing compounds, extracts and/or composite extracts were identified and summarized. In all cases, dose, route of administration, the model system and type of extract were accounted.

RESULTS

A total of 49 plant extracts, 31 compounds and 16 herbal formulations have shown CA activity enhancement. Stimulated CA release from the storage vesicles, monoamine oxidase and CA reuptake inhibition were the major mechanisms involved in the increase of CA bioavailability by these phytoconstituents.

CONCLUSION

This review provides an overview on the phytoconstituents with CA enhancement property that have been used for neuropsychiatric disorders. Such herbal remedies will provide an avenue for cost effective and easily available medication which have holistic approach towards disease management. There is also scope for alternate medicines or prototype drug development utilizing these phytomedicines for treating neurodegenerative diseases. However, hurdles are to be met for analyzing the mode and mechanism of action associated with these phytomedicines and their proper scientific documentation.

MAO-A Inhibitory Potential of Terpene Constituents from Ginger Rhizomes-A Bioactivity Guided Fractionation

BACKGROUND

In the search for novel antidepressive drug candidates, bioguided fractionation of nonpolar constituents present in the oleoresin from ginger rhizomes (Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Zingiberaceae) was performed. This particular direction of the research was chosen due to the existing reports on the antidepressive properties of ginger total extract. The search for individual metabolites acting as MAO-A inhibitors, which correspond to the apparent effect of the total extract, is the subject of this work.

METHODS

Hexane extracts from ginger rhizomes were fractionated by using column chromatography (including silica gel impregnated with silver nitrate) and semi-preparative high-performance chromatography. For the activity assessment, an in vitro monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) inhibition luminescence assay was performed on 10 purified terpenes: 1,8-cineole, α-citronellal, geraniol, β-sesquiphellandrene, γ-terpinen, geranyl acetate, isobornyl acetate, terpinen-4-ol, (E,E)-α-farnesene, and α-zingiberene.

RESULTS

Geraniol and (-)-terpinen-4-ol were found to be the strongest enzyme inhibitors with inhibition of 44.1% and 42.5%, respectively, at a concentration of 125 µg/mL. No differences in the inhibition potential were observed for the different groups of terpenes: sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes, or sesquiterpene alcohols; however, the two most active compounds contained a hydroxyl moiety.

CONCLUSIONS

Terpene constituents from ginger's extract were found to exhibit moderate inhibitory properties against the MAO-A enzyme in in vitro tests.

Monoamine Oxidase-A Inhibition and Associated Antioxidant Activity in Plant Extracts with Potential Antidepressant Actions

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) catalyzes the oxidative deamination of amines and neurotransmitters and is involved in mood disorders, depression, oxidative stress, and adverse pharmacological reactions. This work studies the inhibition of human MAO-A by Hypericum perforatum, Peganum harmala, and Lepidium meyenii, which are reported to improve and affect mood and mental conditions. Subsequently, the antioxidant activity associated with the inhibition of MAO is determined in plant extracts for the first time. H. perforatum inhibited human MAO-A, and extracts from flowers gave the highest inhibition (IC₅₀ of 63.6 μg/mL). Plant extracts were analyzed by HPLC-DAD-MS and contained pseudohypericin, hypericin, hyperforin, adhyperforin, hyperfirin, and flavonoids. Hyperforin did not inhibit human MAO-A and hypericin was a poor inhibitor of this isoenzyme. Quercetin and flavonoids significantly contributed to MAO-A inhibition. P. harmala seed extracts highly inhibited MAO-A (IC₅₀ of 49.9 μg/L), being a thousand times more potent than H. perforatum extracts owing to its content of β-carboline alkaloids (harmaline and harmine). L. meyenii root (maca) extracts did not inhibit MAO-A. These plants may exert protective actions related to antioxidant effects. Results in this work show that P. harmala and H. perforatum extracts exhibit antioxidant activity associated with the inhibition of MAO (i.e., lower production of H₂O₂).

Adverse Psychiatric Effects Associated with Herbal Weight-Loss Products

Obesity and overeating are among the most prevalent health concerns worldwide and individuals are increasingly using performance and image-enhancing drugs (PIEDs) as an easy and fast way to control their weight. Among these, herbal weight-loss products (HWLPs) often attract users due to their health claims, assumed safety, easy availability, affordable price, extensive marketing, and the perceived lack of need for professional oversight. Reports suggest that certain HWLPs may lead to onset or exacerbation of psychiatric disturbances. Here we review the available evidence on psychiatric adverse effects of HWLPs due to their intrinsic toxicity and potential for interaction with psychiatric medications.

In vitro activity of heather [Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull] extracts on selected urinary tract pathogens

Calluna vulgaris L. Hull (Ericaceae) has been used for treatment of urinary tract infections in traditional medicine. In this study we analyzed in vitro antibacterial activity of the plant extracts on different strains of Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis and Proteus vulgaris, as well as the concentrations of total phenols and flavonoids in the extracts. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined. The concentrations of total phenols were examined by using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and ranged between 67.55 to 142.46 mg GAE/g. The concentrations of flavonoids in extracts were determined using spectrophotometric method with aluminum chloride and the values ranged from 42.11 to 63.68 mg RUE/g. The aqueous extract of C. vulgaris showed a significant antibacterial activity. The values of MIC were in the range from 2.5 mg/ml to 20 mg/ml for this extract. Proteus vulgaris strains were found to be the most sensitive. The results obtained suggest that all tested extracts of C. vulgaris inhibit the growth of human pathogens, especially the aqueous extract.

Total monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibition by chestnut honey, pollen and propolis

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors are generally used in the treatment of depressive disorders and some neurodegenerative illnesses, such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate the MAO [MAO (E.C.1.4.3.4)] inhibiting effect of various apitherapeutic products, such as chestnut honey, pollen and propolis. Extracts' MAO inhibition was measured using peroxidase-linked spectrophotometric assay in enzyme isolated from rat liver microsomes, and the values are expressed as the inhibition concentration (IC50) causing 50% inhibition of MAO. The antioxidant activity of the bee products was also determined in terms of total phenolic content (TPC) and ferric reducing/antioxidant power in aquatic extracts. All samples exhibited substantial inhibition of MAO, propolis having the highest. Inhibition was related to samples' TPCs and antioxidant capacities. These results show that bee products possess a sedative effect and may be effective in protecting humans against depression and similar diseases.