Albizia zygia (DC.) J.F. Macbr. (Leguminosae-Mimosoideae) root extract exhibits anti-nociceptive and antipyretic activities in murine models

Effect of nitric oxide-cyclic GMP-K+ channel pathway blockers, naloxone and metformin, on the antinociception induced by the diuretic pamabrom

Pamabrom is a diuretic that is effective in treating premenstrual syndrome and primary dysmenorrhea. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of metformin and modulators of the opioid receptor-nitric oxide (NO)-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-K⁺ channel pathway on the local antinociception induced by pamabrom. The rat paw 1% formalin test was used to assess the effects. Rats were treated with local administration of pamabrom (200-800 µg/paw) or indomethacin (200-800 µg/paw). The antinociception of pamabrom or indomethacin was evaluated with and without the local pretreatment of the blockers. Local administration of pamabrom and indomethacin produced dose-dependent antinociception during the second phase of the test. Local pretreatment of the paws with naloxone (50 µg/paw), l-nitro-arginine methyl ester (10-100 µg/paw), or 1H-(1,2,4)-oxadiazolo[4,2-a]quinoxalin-1-one (10-100 µg/paw) reverted the antinociception induced by local pamabrom, but not of indomethacin. Similarly, the K⁺ channel blockers glibenclamide, glipizide, 4-aminopyridine, tetraethylammonium, charybdotoxin, or apamin reverted the pamabrom-induced antinociception, but not of indomethacin. Metformin significantly blocked the antinociception of pamabrom and indomethacin. Our data suggest that pamabrom could activate the opioid receptor-NO-cGMP-K⁺ channel pathway to produce its peripheral antinociception in the formalin test. Likewise, a biguanide-dependent mechanism could be activated by pamabrom and indomethacin to generate antinociception.

Toxicological and pharmacological effects of pentacyclic triterpenes rich fraction obtained from the leaves of Mansoa hirsuta

Mansoa hirsuta is a medicinal plant native to the Brazilian semi-arid region. This approach aimed to investigate the in vitro and in vivo toxicity and anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions of the M. hirsuta fraction (MHF). In vitro cell viability was assessed in 3T3 cells. In vivo, the acute toxicity test, a single dose of the MHF was administered. For the subchronic toxicity test, three doses of were administered for 30 days. Locomotion and motor coordination were assessed using open field and rota-rod. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in carrageenan-induced paw edema and zymosan-induced air-pouch models. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and total proteins were also measured. The antinociceptive activity MHF was determined using acid acetic-induced abdominal writhing and formalin models. In the cytotoxicity assay, MHF showed no significative impairment of cell viability and in the acute toxicity study, did not cause mortality or signs of toxicity. Repeated exposure to MHF did not cause relevant toxicological changes. The evaluation in the open field test showed that the MHF did not alter the locomotor activity and there was no change in motor coordination and balance of animals. MHF significantly reduced edema, MPO production, the migration of leukocytes and protein leakage. In addition, MHF reduced abdominal writhing and significantly inhibited the first and second stage of the formalin test. The results of this study indicated that MHF has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential without causing acute or subchronic toxic effects and it can be a promising natural source to be explored.

Albizia lebbeck and Albizia zygia volatile oils exhibit anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties in pain models

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Albizia lebbeck and Albizia zygia are used in Nigeria, South Africa and other countries for the treatment of flu, fever, pain, epilepsy, and inflammation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Application of plant essence for treating ailments is common among local communities. This research was designed to characterize the volatile compounds and evaluate the toxicity, anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive properties of this plant species.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The volatile oils were analysed comprehensively utilizing gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) using the HP-5 column. The toxicity was evaluated using the toxicity assay. The anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory assays were analysed by a hot plate, Formalin, and carrageenan-induced edema assays, respectively.

RESULTS

The essential oils were obtained in a yield of 0.1% (v/w) calculated on a dry weight basis for both oils. The main compounds of A. lebbeck were 2-pentylfuran (16.4%), (E)-geranyl acetone (15.46%), (E)-α-ionone (15.45%) and 3-Octanone (11.61%), while the oil of A. zygia is mainly hexahydrofarnesyl acetone (33.14%), (E)-methyl isoeugenol (11.7%) and 2-methyl tetradecane (6.64%). The volatile oils are non-toxic to about 5000 mg/kg dose. Albizia zygia significantly (P < 0.001) suppressed the nociceptive afferent fibres in a non-dose dependent manner in comparison to A. lebbeck in the hot plate model. Both oils inhibited nociceptive mediators at both phases of the formalin-induced assay, with a maximum inhibition (100%) at the inflammatory stage. The volatile oils inhibited the Carrageenan-induced inflammation at all phases ranging from P < 0.05 to P < 0.001. The probable pro-inflammatory inhibitory mechanism might be the suppression of some pain biomarkers such as histamine, serotonin, bradykinin, and the Interleukins (ILs) induced by the edema. Volatile constituents such as ionones, eugenol derivatives and other compounds cause the anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities reported.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report of the volatile oils and bioassays of Albizia zygia, while the study also confirms previous studies of A. lebbeck. Generally, the findings further prove the use of the plants as pain ameliorating agents.

The ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of genus Albizia: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The genus Albizia (Leguminosae) comprises about 150 species and some species have been used for the treatment of rheumatism, stomachache, cough, diarrhea, and wounds in traditional and local medicine. The aim of the review: This review article documents and critically assesses the current status of the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of the Albizia species.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All provided literatures on the Albizia species were searched using the electronic databases (e.g. Web of Science, Elsevier, Springer, PubMed, ACS, CNKI, Google Scholar, and Baidu Scholar), books, and theses with keywords of 'Albizia' and 'Albizzia'.

RESULTS

Albizia species have been used for melancholia, insomnia, wounds, fever, abscesses, diabetes, headache, stomachache, diarrhea, cough, rheumatism, snake bite, malaria, and parasitic infection in traditional and local medicine. These plants mainly contain triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, lignanoids, alkaloids, phenolic glycosides, etc. Albizia species have been demonstrated to possess various pharmacological activities. Among them, the antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antifertility, antianxiety, antidepressant, and anti-fever properties are consistent with the traditional and local applications of the Albizia species.

CONCLUSIONS

The traditional and local uses of Albizia species have been partially demonstrated by the pharmacological investigation. However, some traditional applications have not been assessed scientifically due to incomplete methodologies and ambiguous findings. Moreover, no clinical evidences support the health benefits of these plants. The systematic and comprehensive preclinical studies and clinical trials are still required to verify the pharmacological activities, clinical efficacy, and safety of Albizia species.

Antidepressant-like effect of Albizia zygia root extract in murine models

Background Albizia zygia (DC.) J.F. Macbr. (Leguminosae) has been used to treat mental disorders in traditional African medicine. Nonetheless, there is limited scientific evidence to justify its present use. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidepressant activity of the hydroethanolic extract of A. zygia roots (AZE) in murine models. Methods AZE was evaluated in the tail suspension test, forced swim test, and the repeated open-space swim test of depression. In order to elucidate the mechanisms of action, the activity of AZE was re-evaluated after treating mice with selective inhibitors of monoamine biosynthesis. The potential of AZE to influence spontaneous locomotion was also examined. Results AZE (100-1000 mg/kg, p.o.) reduced the immobility time of mice in the tail suspension and forced swim tests (at least p < 0.05). In the repeated open-space swim test, AZE reduced the immobility time (at least p < 0.05) while concomitantly increasing the distance swam by mice (p < 0.01). However, the antidepressant-like activity of AZE was attenuated by α-methyl-para-tyrosine and reserpine (p < 0.0001) but not para-chlorophenylalanine. Conclusions The results of this study indicate that AZE possesses antidepressant-like properties and support the traditional use of AZE for the treatment of depression.

Endogenous opiates and behavior: 2017

This paper is the fortieth consecutive installment of the annual anthological review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, summarizing articles published during 2017 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides and receptors as well as effects of opioid/opiate agonists and antagonists. The review is subdivided into the following specific topics: molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors (1), the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia in animals (2) and humans (3), opioid-sensitive and opioid-insensitive effects of nonopioid analgesics (4), opioid peptide and receptor involvement in tolerance and dependence (5), stress and social status (6), learning and memory (7), eating and drinking (8), drug abuse and alcohol (9), sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (10), mental illness and mood (11), seizures and neurologic disorders (12), electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (13), general activity and locomotion (14), gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (15), cardiovascular responses (16), respiration and thermoregulation (17), and immunological responses (18).

Albizia zygia root extract exhibits antipsychotic-like properties in murine models of schizophrenia

BACKGROUND

The root extract of Albizia zygia (DC.) J.F. Macbr. (Leguminosae) is used to manage mental disorders in African traditional medicine. However, its value, particularly, against negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia have not been evaluated.

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antipsychotic properties of the hydroethanolic root extract of Albizia zygia (AZE) against positive, negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia in animal models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effects of AZE (30-300 mg kg^-1) were evaluated against apomorphine-induced cage climbing as well as ketamine -induced hyperlocomotion, -enhanced immobility, -impaired social interaction and novel object recognition. The propensity of AZE to induce catalepsy and to attenuate haloperidol-induced catalepsy were also investigated.

RESULTS

AZE 30-300 mg kg^-1 significantly reduced apomorphine-induced climbing behaviour as well as ketamine-induced hyperlocomotion, immobility and object recognition deficits (at least P < 0.05). Moreover, the extract showed no cataleptic effect but significantly inhibited haloperidol-induced catalepsy at a dose of 30 mg kg^-1 (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The root extract of Albizia zygia exhibited an antipsychotic-like activity in mice with potential to alleviate positive, negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia.

Psychotropic Effects of an Alcoholic Extract from the Leaves of Albizia zygia (Leguminosae-Mimosoideae)

Background

Albizia zygia is used in Ghanaian traditional medicine for the management of mental disorders. The present study tested the hypothesis that an extract of the leaves of Albizia zygia (AZE) may possess antipsychotic and antidepressant properties.

Method

The novelty- and apomorphine-induced locomotor and rearing behaviours of AZE in mice were explored in an open-field observational test system. The effects of AZE in apomorphine-induced cage climbing test, extract-induced catalepsy, and haloperidol-induced catalepsy on mice were also investigated. Lastly, the forced swimming and tail suspension tests in mice were employed to screen the possible antidepressant effects of AZE.

Results

AZE (100-3000 mg/kg) showed signs of central nervous system (CNS) depression under observation, with no lethality, 24 h after treatment in mice. AZE (100-1000 mg/kg) produced a significant decrease in the frequency of novelty- and apomorphine-induced locomotor activities in mice. The extract also significantly decreased the frequency and duration of apomorphine-induced climbing activities in mice. AZE, while failing to produce any cataleptic event in naïve mice, significantly enhanced haloperidol-induced catalepsy at a dose of 1000 mg/kg. However, AZE did not produce any significant antidepressant effects in the test models employed.

Conclusion

The extract of Albizia zygia exhibited an antipsychotic-like activity in mice.