Thymus persicus (Ronniger ex Rech. f.) Jalas alleviates nociceptive and neuropathic pain behavior in mice: Multiple mechanisms of action

Antinociceptive and antineuropathic effects of Trifolium resupinatum L. on formalin-induced nociception and cervical spinal cord hemi-contusion: Underlying Mechanisms

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Trifolium resupinatum L. (Fabaceae), known as Persian clover, ethnomedicinally used in Persian folk medicine to treat peritoneal inflammation, rheumatism, and back pain.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the antineuropathic and antinociceptive activities of Trifolium resupinatum leaves essential oil (TREO) in male Wistar rats, as well as to explore the potential mechanisms of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antinociceptive activity of TREO and its main constituents, quercetin (Qc) was assessed using the formalin-induced paw licking test. Moreover, the potential mechanisms of antinociception were evaluated through various competitive and non-competitive antagonisms. Additionally, the antineuropathic potential was investigated using the cervical spinal cord hemi-contusion (CCS) model, and the role of phosphorylated Stat-3 was analyzed using Western blotting.

RESULTS

TREO exerted significant antinociceptive activity (P < 0.01) in both phases of the formalin-induced test; however, its effects were more pronounced in the second phase. Modulators of the NO-cGMP-K+ channel pathway significantly reversed the antinociceptive activity of TREO (P < 0.05). Additionally, antagonists of TRPV1 and TRPV2, as well as CB1 and GABAA receptors, significantly reversed the antinociceptive effects of TREO (P < 0.05). In another study, both TREO and Qc significantly attenuated hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia (P < 0.01) when evaluated using the CCS-induced nociception model. Notably, TREO also reduced the expression levels of interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-2, and tumor necrosis factor alpha in CCS-induced rats (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

TREO and Qc exhibit both antinociceptive and anti-neuropathic activities. The antinociceptive effects are partially mediated through the NO-cGMP-K+ channel pathways, along with the activation of TRPV, GABA, and cannabinoid receptors. Furthermore, the anti-neuropathic activity of TREO may be partially regulated through the inhibition of cytokines.

Antinociceptive, antineuropathic, and antimigraine-like activities ofFritillariaimperialis L. rich in verticinone on rats: Mechanisms of action

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Fritillaria imperialis L. (Fabaceae), commonly known as "Laleh vazhgon", ethnomedicinally utilized in Iranian traditional medicine to treat joint pain, chronic daily headaches, and back pain.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the antinociceptive, anti-neuropathic, and anti-migraine activities of Fritillaria imperialis bulbs essential oil (FIEO) as well as to uncover the potential mechanisms of action involved.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antinociceptive activity of FIEO and its main constituent, Verticinone (Vt), was assessed using the formalin-induced paw licking assay. The potential mechanisms of antinociception were investigated through various antagonists. Additionally, their antineuropathic activity was examined using the cervical spinal cord contusion (CCS) technique and the possible role of Stat3 was evaluated using Western blot analysis. The nitroglycerin-induced model (NTG) was also employed for the evaluation of migraine.

RESULTS

FIEO demonstrated significant antinociceptive activity in both phases of the formalin-induced test. However, the FIEO activity was more pronounced effect observed in the second phase. Modulators of the NO-cGMP-K+ channel pathway significantly reversed the antinociceptive activity of FIEO (P < 0.05). Additionally, antagonists of TRPV1, PPARα, dopamine D1, GABAA, and δ-opioid receptors also significantly reversed the antinociceptive effects of FIEO (P < 0.05). In a separate study, both FIEO and Vt were found to attenuate hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia (P < 0.01) when evaluated using the CCS-induced pain model. Furthermore, FIEO may alleviate migraine behaviors, likely related to the regulation of NO and CGRP levels.

CONCLUSION

FIEO exerts an antineuropathic effect through the phosphorylation of Stat3. Furthermore, the antinociceptive activity is partially modulated via the NO-cGMP-K+ channel pathway, as well as the activation of TRPV, PPAR, opioid, and GABA receptors. Vt may be involved in the antinociceptive, antineuropathic, and antimigraine activities induced by FIEO.

Phytoconstituents Targeting the Serotonin 5-HT3 Receptor: Promising Therapeutic Strategies for Neurological Disorders

The 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 receptor (5-HT3R), a subtype of serotonin receptor, is a ligand-gated ion channel crucial in mediating fast synaptic transmission in the central and peripheral nervous systems. This receptor significantly influences various neurological activities, encompassing neurotransmission, mood regulation, and cognitive processing; hence, it may serve as an innovative target for neurological disorders. Multiple studies have revealed promising results regarding the beneficial effects of these phytoconstituents and extracts on conditions such as nausea, vomiting, neuropathic pain depression, anxiety, Alzheimer's disease, cognition, epilepsy, sleep, and dyskinesia via modulation of 5-HT3R in the pathophysiology of neurological disorder. The review delves into a detailed exploration of in silico, in vitro, and in vivo studies and clinical studies that discussed phytoconstituents acting on 5-HT3R and attenuates difficulties in neurological diseases. The diverse mechanisms by which plant-derived phytoconstituents influence 5-HT3R activity offer exciting avenues for developing innovative therapeutic interventions. Besides producing an agonistic or antagonistic effect, some phytoconstituents exert modulatory effects on 5-HT3R activity through multifaceted mechanisms. These include γ-aminobutyric acid and cholinergic neuronal pathways, interactions with neurokinin (NK)-1, NK2, serotonergic, and γ-aminobutyric acid(GABA)ergic systems, dopaminergic influences, and mediation of calcium ions release and inflammatory cascades. Notably, the phytoconstituent's capacity to reduce oxidative stress has also emerged as a significant factor contributing to their modulatory role. Despite the promising implications, there is currently a dearth of exploration needed to understand the effect of phytochemicals on the 5-HT3R. Comprehensive preclinical and clinical research is of the utmost importance to broaden our knowledge of the potential therapeutic benefits associated with these substances.

Chemical composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound healing effects of Trachyspermum roxburghianum (DC.) H. Wolff essential oil: An in vivo and in silico approach

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Trachyspermum roxburghianum (DC.) H. Wolff, commonly known as 'Ajamoda,' is a neglected Indian spice highly used in Ayurveda and folklore remedies as an antimicrobial for chronic wounds and discharges, along with many other disease conditions.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The objective of the study was to explore chemical composition and to investigate the antioxidant, antimicrobial, analgesic, and wound healing activities of T. roxburghianum fruit essential oil from India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The phytochemical characterization of the oil was determined through standard qualitative procedures and the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique. The in vitro antioxidant aptitude was assessed by scavenging DPPH and ABTS radicals. The antimicrobial potential of the oil was investigated using the disc diffusion method, followed by the determination of minimum inhibitory concentration against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial and fungal strains. The analgesic potential was evaluated using thermal and chemically induced pain models in Swiss albino mice. Wound healing was assessed in vivo, including determining wound contraction rates, histopathology, and hydroxyproline estimation, using the excision wound model in Swiss albino mice.

RESULTS

GC-MS analysis identified 55 compounds with major terpenoids, including thymol (13.8%), limonene (11.5%), and others. Substantial radical-scavenging activity was exhibited by T. roxburghianum fruit essential oil (TREO) (IC50 94.41 ± 2.00 μg/mL in DPPH assay and 91.28 ± 1.94 μg/mL in ABTS assay). Microorganisms were inhibited with low MIC (2 μL/mL for the inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis; 4 μL/mL against Salmonella typhi and 16 μL/mL against Candida albicans). In the cytotoxicity study, no cytotoxicity was observed on the Monkey Normal Kidney Cell line (Vero). Significant antinociceptive effects were observed (25.47 ± 1.10 % of inhibition at 100 mg/kg and 44.31 ± 1.69 % at 200 mg/kg). A remarkable rate of wound closure and epithelization, along with a marked increase in hydroxyproline content, were observed for the oil during wound healing in mice.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggested that oil could be utilized as a potential source of wound healing therapeutics.

The oral administration of Lotus corniculatus L. attenuates acute and chronic pain models in male rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Lotus corniculatus L. (Fabaceae) traditionally used in Persian folk medicine to heal peritoneal inflammation and back pain.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore the antinociceptive (acute pain) and anti-neuropathic (chronic pain) activities of Lotus corniculatus leaves essential oil (LCEO) in addition to uncovering the possible mechanisms of antinociception.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

LCEO as well as the pure oleanolic acid (OA) compound, were assayed for their effects on acute (formalin induced paw licking test or FIPT) and chronic (cervical contusion injury models on the fifth cervical vertebra or CCS; 14-day intervals) pain. The possible involvements of NO-cGMP-K+ channel, TRPV, dopamine, cannabinoid, PPAR, adrenergic, and opioid mechanisms in the antinociceptive activity of LCEO have studied by formalin test. The levels of p53 and inflammatory markers were measured using a streptavidin biotin immune peroxidase complex and ELISA methods, respectively.

RESULTS

The LCEO and OA exerted antinociceptive activity in the first-phase of FIPT. Pretreatment with antagonists of TRPV1, dopamine D2, cannabinoid type1 and 2, and NO-cGMP-K+ channel blockers (glibenclamide, L-NAME and methylene blue) attenuated the antinociceptive effect of LCEO in FIPT. In addition, LCEO and OA meaningfully reduced hyperalgesia (days 6-14) and mechanical allodynia (days 2-14) in the CCS model. LCEO suppressed the apoptotic marker (p53) in CCS model and also ameliorated IL-2, TNF-α, and IL-1 in the spinal cord.

CONCLUSION

Finally, LCEO inhibited acute (possibly via the modulation of opioid, TRPV, dopamine, cannabinoid mechanisms as well as NO-cGMP-K+ channel) and chronic pain (via suppressing apoptotic and inflammatory markers) in male rats. The results also suggest that OA has analgesic activity against acute and chronic pain conditions.

Effects of Chaerophyllum macropodum Boiss. leaves essential oil in inflammatory and neuropathic pain: uncovering the possible mechanism of action

BACKGROUND

Chaerophyllum macropodum Boiss. (popularly known as "Jafari farangi kohestani") is a predominant medicinal plant traditionally utilized in the treatments of peritoneal inflammation and headache in Persian folk medicine. Here, we have revealed the anti-neuropathic and anti-nociceptive activities of C. macropodum leaves essential oil (CMEO) in addition to uncovering the possible mechanisms of action.

METHODS

Formalin-induced paw licking model was used to assess the anti-nociceptive activity of CMEO and its major constituent, terpinolene (TP). The anti-nociceptive activity of these compounds was determined by investigating the roles of various non-opioid and NO-cGMP-K+ channels. Additionally, the anti-neuropathic potential of CMEO and TP was determined using cervical spinal cord contusion/CCS technique.

RESULTS

The CMEO exerted significant anti-nociceptive activity with a remarkable activity seen in the second phase of formalin-induced paw licking model and this activity were remarkably reversed by pre-treatment of naloxone (an opioid antagonist). Pretreatment with several types of NO-cGMP-potassium channel pathway meaningfully reversed the anti-nociceptive potential of CMEO in phase II of formalin model. Moreover, pre-treatment with several antagonists of non-opioid receptors revealed that only the antagonist of TRPV-1, serotonin type 3, 5-HT2, α2 adrenergic, and CB1 receptors (capsaicin, ondansetron, ketanserin, yohimbine, and SR141716A, respectively) reversed CMEO anti-nociception. CMEO and TP also remarkably reversed hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia in the CCS technique.

CONCLUSION

The CMEO exerts anti-nociceptive and anti-neuropathic activities via the modulation of NO-cGMP potassium channel pathway, opioid as well as several non-opioid receptor activity. TP might partly contribute to the observed activities of CMEO.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Role of Nutraceuticals in the Management of Neuropathic Pain in In Vivo Studies

The control of neuropathic pain is a leading challenge in modern medicine. Traditional medicine has, for a long time, used natural compounds such as nutraceuticals for this purpose, and extensive evidence has supported their role in controlling oxidative stress and persistent pain-related inflammation. Nutraceuticals are natural products belonging to the food sector whose consumption could be related to physiological benefits. Indeed, they are used to improve health, prevent chronic diseases, and delay the aging process. Here, we report a systematic review and meta-analysis to provide a more comprehensive report on the use of nutraceuticals in neuropathic pain, including evaluating confounding factors. A search of the literature has been conducted on principal databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science) following the PRISMA statement, and we retrieved 484 articles, 12 of which were selected for the meta-analysis. The results showed that administration of natural drugs in animals with neuropathic pain led to a significant reduction in thermal hyperalgesia, measured in both the injured paw (SMD: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.41 to 2.17; p < 0.0001) and in the two paws (SMD: −1.74; 95% CI: −3.36 to −0.11; p = 0.036), as well as a reduction in mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia (SMD: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.08 to 2.82; p < 0.001) when compared to controls. The results of the review indicate that nutraceutical compounds could be clinically relevant for managing persistent neuropathic pain.

Insight into the possible mechanism(s) involved in the antinociceptive and antineuropathic activity of Descurainia sophia L. Webb ex Prantl essential oil

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Descurainia sophia (L.)(Brassicaceae), popularly known as "Khaksheer", is a native species widely distributed in Iran. The seeds and essential oil has been used in local traditional medicine (Persian folk ethnomedicine) to treat fever, inflammation, back pain, and headache.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate in vitro anti-nociceptive and antineuropathic activities of Descurainia sophia seeds essential oil (DSEO) in rats and to determine the possible mechanism(s) involved.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antinociceptive activity of DSEO or Linolenic acid (LA) was evaluated using the formalin induced paw licking test followed by determination on the role of NO-cGMP-K+ channel pathway as well as a number of non-opioid receptor systems (vanilloid, dopamine, cannabinoid, serotonin, peroxisome proliferator activated, and adrenergic receptors) in the modulation of DSEO-induced antinociceptive activity. Additionally, the cervical spinal cord contusion (CCS) model was used to study antineuropathic potential of DSEO or LA.

RESULTS

DSEO exerted significant (p < 0.05) antinociceptive activity in formalin test (both phases) and altered mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia observed in the CCS model. Pretreatment with glibenclamide, Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, tranilast, methylene blue, SCH23390, SR141716A and SR144528 restored DSEO-induced antinociceptive activity observed in the formalin test. Furthermore, LA also reduced nociceptive responses induced in the formalin and CCS models.

CONCLUSION

DSEO inhibits inflammatory mediated nociceptive response partly via the modulation of NO-cGMP-K+ channels pathway well as the activation of vanilloid, dopamine, and cannabinoid receptors, and exerts antineuropathic activity possibly via the modulation of inflammatory mediated activity. Thus, these findings confirm the Persian ethno-medicine claim on the efficacy of D. Sophia.