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Kumar P, Mathew S, Gamage R, Bodkin F, Doyle K, Rossetti I, Wagnon I, Zhou X, Raju R, Gyengesi E, Münch G. From the Bush to the Brain: Preclinical Stages of Ethnobotanical Anti-Inflammatory and Neuroprotective Drug Discovery-An Australian Example. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11086. [PMID: 37446262 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Australian rainforest is a rich source of medicinal plants that have evolved in the face of dramatic environmental challenges over a million years due to its prolonged geographical isolation from other continents. The rainforest consists of an inherent richness of plant secondary metabolites that are the most intense in the rainforest. The search for more potent and more bioavailable compounds from other plant sources is ongoing, and our short review will outline the pathways from the discovery of bioactive plants to the structural identification of active compounds, testing for potency, and then neuroprotection in a triculture system, and finally, the validation in an appropriate neuro-inflammatory mouse model, using some examples from our current research. We will focus on neuroinflammation as a potential treatment target for neurodegenerative diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's (PD), and Alzheimer's disease (AD) for these plant-derived, anti-inflammatory molecules and highlight cytokine suppressive anti-inflammatory drugs (CSAIDs) as a better alternative to conventional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to treat neuroinflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payaal Kumar
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
| | - Shintu Mathew
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
| | - Rashmi Gamage
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
| | - Frances Bodkin
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
| | - Kerrie Doyle
- Indigenous Health Unit, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
| | - Ilaria Rossetti
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
| | - Ingrid Wagnon
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
| | - Xian Zhou
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Ritesh Raju
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
| | - Erika Gyengesi
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
| | - Gerald Münch
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
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Alarcón-Enos J, Muñoz-Núñez E, Gutiérrez M, Quiroz-Carreño S, Pastene-Navarrete E, Céspedes Acuña C. Dyhidro-β-agarofurans natural and synthetic as acetylcholinesterase and COX inhibitors: interaction with the peripheral anionic site (AChE-PAS), and anti-inflammatory potentials. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2022; 37:1845-1856. [PMID: 35815566 PMCID: PMC9278454 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2091554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to find molecules of natural origin with potential biological activities, we isolate and synthesise compounds with agarofuran skeletons (epoxyeudesmanes). From the seeds of Maytenus disticha and Maytenus magellanica we obtained six dihydro-β-agarofurans, and by means of the Robinson annulation reaction we synthesised five compounds with the same skeleton. The structures were established on the basis of NMR, IR, and MS. The evaluated compounds showed inhibitory activity on the acetylcholinesterase enzyme and on the COX enzymes. Compound 4 emerged as the most potent in the acetylcholinesterase inhibition assay with IC50 17.0 ± 0.016 µM on acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The compounds evaluated were shown to be selective for AChE. The molecular docking, and the propidium displacement assay suggested that the compounds do not bind to the active site of the enzyme AChE, but rather bind to the peripheral anionic site (PAS) of the enzyme, on the other hand, the natural compound 8, showed the best inhibitory activity on the COX-2 enzyme with an IC50 value of 0.04 ± 0.007 µM. The pharmacokinetic profile calculated in silico using the SWISSADME platform shows that these molecules could be considered as potential drugs for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio Alarcón-Enos
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Bío-Bío, Chillán, Chile
| | - Evelyn Muñoz-Núñez
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Bío-Bío, Chillán, Chile
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Immunosenescence and Aging: Neuroinflammation Is a Prominent Feature of Alzheimer's Disease and Is a Likely Contributor to Neurodegenerative Disease Pathogenesis. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12111817. [PMID: 36579548 PMCID: PMC9698256 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12111817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic multifactorial and complex neuro-degenerative disorder characterized by memory impairment and the loss of cognitive ability, which is a problem affecting the elderly. The pathological intracellular accumulation of abnormally phosphorylated Tau proteins, forming neurofibrillary tangles, and extracellular amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition, forming senile plaques, as well as neural disconnection, neural death and synaptic dysfunction in the brain, are hallmark pathologies that characterize AD. The prevalence of the disease continues to increase globally due to the increase in longevity, quality of life, and medical treatment for chronic diseases that decreases the mortality and enhance the survival of elderly. Medical awareness and the accurate diagnosis of the disease also contribute to the high prevalence observed globally. Unfortunately, no definitive treatment exists that can be used to modify the course of AD, and no available treatment is capable of mitigating the cognitive decline or reversing the pathology of the disease as of yet. A plethora of hypotheses, ranging from the cholinergic theory and dominant Aβ cascade hypothesis to the abnormally excessive phosphorylated Tau protein hypothesis, have been reported. Various explanations for the pathogenesis of AD, such as the abnormal excitation of the glutamate system and mitochondrial dysfunction, have also been suggested. Despite the continuous efforts to deliver significant benefits and an effective treatment for this distressing, globally attested aging illness, multipronged approaches and strategies for ameliorating the disease course based on knowledge of the underpinnings of the pathogenesis of AD are urgently needed. Immunosenescence is an immune deficit process that appears with age (inflammaging process) and encompasses the remodeling of the lymphoid organs, leading to alterations in the immune function and neuroinflammation during advanced aging, which is closely linked to the outgrowth of infections, autoimmune diseases, and malignant cancers. It is well known that long-standing inflammation negatively influences the brain over the course of a lifetime due to the senescence of the immune system. Herein, we aim to trace the role of the immune system in the pathogenesis of AD. Thus, we explore alternative avenues, such as neuroimmune involvement in the pathogenesis of AD. We determine the initial triggers of neuroinflammation, which is an early episode in the pre-symptomatic stages of AD and contributes to the advancement of the disease, and the underlying key mechanisms of brain damage that might aid in the development of therapeutic strategies that can be used to combat this devastating disease. In addition, we aim to outline the ways in which different aspects of the immune system, both in the brain and peripherally, behave and thus to contribute to AD.
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Inchinkoto, the Traditional Japanese Kampo Medicine, Enhances Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Function In Vitro. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:4139812. [PMID: 36212959 PMCID: PMC9536930 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4139812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Inchinkoto (ICKT), a traditional herbal medicine that is often used as a hepatoprotective drug in Japan, has pharmacological properties that include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and choleretic actions. Genipin is a metabolite of geniposide and the most abundant ingredient of ICKT; furthermore, it is considered to be the active substance responsible for its pharmacological properties in the liver. Drugs with such pharmacological characteristics are expected to prevent intestinal barrier dysfunction, which causes inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). However, no studies have investigated the effects of ICKT on the intestinal epithelial barrier. Therefore, we investigated the activity of ICKT in intestinal tight junctions by using cultured Caco-2 cell monolayers. The action of the compound on tight junctions was examined by measuring transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and sodium fluorescein (Na-F) permeability in the presence or absence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Moreover, the expression of the tight junction protein claudin-1 was assessed by using immunofluorescent staining. ICKT and genipin increased TEER and decreased Na-F permeability, which was suggestive of enhanced intestinal epithelial barrier function. Moreover, they prevented the LPS-induced destruction of the barrier, i.e., a decrease in TEER and an increase in Na-F permeability. Immunofluorescence staining revealed a high claudin-1 expression level on the cell surface, whereas exposure to LPS downregulated claudin-1. In turn, ICKT and genipin prevented the LPS-mediated reduction of claudin-1. These results suggest that ICKT enhances intestinal epithelial barrier function by upregulating claudin-1. Furthermore, genipin contributed to these effects. ICKT may be a promising medicine for the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with intestinal barrier disruption, such as IBD, obesity, and metabolic disorders.
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Rauf A, Badoni H, Abu-Izneid T, Olatunde A, Rahman MM, Painuli S, Semwal P, Wilairatana P, Mubarak MS. Neuroinflammatory Markers: Key Indicators in the Pathology of Neurodegenerative Diseases. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27103194. [PMID: 35630670 PMCID: PMC9146652 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27103194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation, a protective response of the central nervous system (CNS), is associated with the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. The CNS is composed of neurons and glial cells consisting of microglia, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes. Entry of any foreign pathogen activates the glial cells (astrocytes and microglia) and overactivation of these cells triggers the release of various neuroinflammatory markers (NMs), such as the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-1β (IL-10), nitric oxide (NO), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), among others. Various studies have shown the role of neuroinflammatory markers in the occurrence, diagnosis, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. These markers also trigger the formation of various other factors responsible for causing several neuronal diseases including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), multiple sclerosis (MS), ischemia, and several others. This comprehensive review aims to reveal the mechanism of neuroinflammatory markers (NMs), which could cause different neurodegenerative disorders. Important NMs may represent pathophysiologic processes leading to the generation of neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, various molecular alterations related to neurodegenerative diseases are discussed. Identifying these NMs may assist in the early diagnosis and detection of therapeutic targets for treating various neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdur Rauf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Swabi, Anbar 23561, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (P.W.); (M.S.M.)
| | - Himani Badoni
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied and Life Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Premnagar, Dehradun 248006, India;
| | - Tareq Abu-Izneid
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University for Science and Technology, Al Ain 64141, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Ahmed Olatunde
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi 740272, Nigeria;
| | - Md. Mominur Rahman
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh;
| | - Sakshi Painuli
- Uttarakhand Council for Biotechnology (UCB), Premnagar, Dehradun 248007, India;
| | - Prabhakar Semwal
- Department of Life Sciences, Graphic Era (Deemed To Be University), Dehradun 248002, India;
| | - Polrat Wilairatana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (P.W.); (M.S.M.)
| | - Mohammad S. Mubarak
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (P.W.); (M.S.M.)
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Dissanayake IH, Zak V, Kaur K, Jaye K, Ayati Z, Chang D, Li CG, Bhuyan DJ. Australian native fruits and vegetables: Chemical composition, nutritional profile, bioactivity and potential valorization by industries. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 63:8511-8544. [PMID: 35491610 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2057913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Australian native plants have adapted themselves to harsh climatic conditions enabling them to produce unique and high levels of secondary metabolites. Native fruits and vegetables have been an integral part of the Indigenous Australian diet and Bush medicine for centuries. They have recently gained popularity owing to their rich dietary fiber, minerals, polyphenolic and antioxidant contents. This review presents a comprehensive summary and critical assessment of the studies performed in the last few decades to understand the phytochemical and nutritional profiles and therapeutic properties of Australian native fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, the potential of these fruits and vegetables as functional food ingredients and in the prevention and treatment of different diseases is discussed. Research on the nutritional and phytochemical profiles and therapeutic activity of Australian vegetables is limited with most studies focused on native fruits. These fruits have demonstrated promising antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities mostly in in vitro models. More research to a) identify novel bioactive compounds, b) define optimal post-harvest and extraction methods, and c) understand molecular mechanisms of pharmacological activity through preclinical and clinical studies is prudent for the prospective and wider use of Australian native fruits and vegetables by the food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valeria Zak
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Kirandeep Kaur
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Kayla Jaye
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Zahra Ayati
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Dennis Chang
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Chun Guang Li
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Deep Jyoti Bhuyan
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
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Williams RJ, Mohanakumar KP, Beart PM. Neuro-nutraceuticals: Natural products nourish the brain but be aware of contrary effects. Neurochem Int 2021; 150:105159. [PMID: 34400236 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2021.105159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
In this Special Issue on "Nutraceuticals: Molecular and Functional Insights into how Natural Products Nourish the Brain", the editors bring together contributions from experts in nutraceutical research to provide a contemporary overview of how select chemically identified molecules from natural products can beneficially affect brain function at the molecular level. Other contributions address the holistic benefit of herbal medicines and their multi-targeted actions, which improve brain function in diverse cellular and animal models of brain injury. Not only are new targets for nutraceuticals reported, but their benefits on neurobehavioural problems are elucidated in conditions as diverse as obesity and menopause. Inflammation in neuropathologies, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), remains a huge focus and diverse nutraceuticals demonstrate therapeutic applicability via glial-mediated actions. While contrary actions should be borne in mind in the search for novel neurotherapeutics, the great promise offered by herbal medicines and their newly identified active principles offers unique options for the management of diverse neurological and psychiatric conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Williams
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Kochupurackal P Mohanakumar
- Inter University Centre for Biomedical Research & Super Speciality Hospital, Mahatma Gandhi University, Thalappady Campus, Rubber Board P.O., Kottayam, Kerala, 686 009, India
| | - Philip M Beart
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3051, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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Venigalla M, Roberts TL, Raju R, Mrad M, Bodkin F, Kopp K, Doyle K, Münch G. Identification of tetragocarbone C and sideroxylin as the most potent anti-inflammatory components of Syncarpia glomulifera. Fitoterapia 2021; 150:104843. [PMID: 33539940 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2021.104843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In contrast to ancient Western and Asian cultures, medicinal plants of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in Australia have not been as intensively studied for their molecular composition and molecular bioactivity. Syncarpia glomulifera subsp. glomulifera is a species in the plant family Myrtaceae. The resin of the plant has been traditionally used by the D'harawal people of Western Sydney to heal inflamed sores and ulcers. Hence, the anti-inflammatory activity of its leaf extract was investigated in RAW 264.7 macrophage and N11 microglia cell lines to isolate and identify the most active compounds. One new compound, tetragocarbone C, and three known compounds, tetragocarbone B, sideroxylin, and lumaflavanone A showed potent anti-inflammatory activity by downregulating nitric oxide and TNF-α production in LPS and IFN-γ stimulated cells. Except for the less potent tetragocarbone B, all compounds had an IC50 value (for nitric oxide downregulation) of <10 μg/mL and moderate cytotoxicity in both cell lines. The molecular targets along pro-inflammatory signaling pathways were further investigated in RAW 264.7 cells. All four compounds suppressed phosphorylation of ERK, c-Jun, and limited the phosphorylation of STAT-1 and STAT-3 in response to LPS and IFN-γ activation. The four compounds also suppressed NF-κB activation by preventing the translocation of the p65 subunit into the nucleus. Collectively, these findings suggest that the compounds isolated from Syncarpia glomulifera, especially tetragocarbone C and sideroxylin are promising anti-inflammatory agents, and could be further investigated for the treatment of diseases characterized by chronic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhuri Venigalla
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Building 30, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Tara Laurine Roberts
- School of Medicine, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Western Sydney University, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Ritesh Raju
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Building 30, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Melissa Mrad
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Building 30, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Frances Bodkin
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Katja Kopp
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Building 30, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Kerrie Doyle
- Indigenous Health Unit, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Building 30, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Gerald Münch
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Building 30, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia; NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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