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Barman R, Kumar Bora P, Saikia J, Konwar P, Sarkar A, Kemprai P, Proteem Saikia S, Haldar S, Slater A, Banik D. Hypothetical biosynthetic pathways of pharmaceutically potential hallucinogenic metabolites in Myristicaceae, mechanistic convergence and co-evolutionary trends in plants and humans. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2024; 218:113928. [PMID: 38035973 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2023.113928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
The family Myristicaceae harbour mind-altering phenylpropanoids like myristicin, elemicin, safrole, tryptamine derivatives such as N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and 5-methoxy N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) and β-carbolines such as 1-methyl-6-methoxy-dihydro-β-carboline and 2-methyl-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline. This study aimed to systematically review and propose the hypothetical biosynthetic pathways of hallucinogenic metabolites of Myristicaceae which have the potential to be used pharmaceutically. Relevant publications were retrieved from online databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed Central, Science Direct and the distribution of the hallucinogens among the family was compiled. The review revealed that the biosynthesis of serotonin in plants was catalysed by tryptamine 5-hydroxylase (T5H) and tryptophan 5-hydroxylase (TPH), whereas in invertebrates and vertebrates only by tryptophan 5-hydroxylase (TPH). Indolethylamine-N-methyltransferase catalyses the biosynthesis of DMT in plants and the brains of humans and other mammals. Caffeic acid 3-O-methyltransferase catalyses the biosynthesis of both phenylpropanoids and tryptamines in plants. All the hallucinogenic markers exhibited neuropsychiatric effects in humans as mechanistic convergence. The review noted that DMT, 5-MeO-DMT, and β-carbolines were natural protectants against both plant stress and neurodegenerative human ailments. The protein sequence data of tryptophan 5-hydroxylase and tryptamine 5-hydroxylase retrieved from NCBI showed a co-evolutionary relationship in between animals and plants on the phylogenetic framework of a Maximum Parsimony tree. The review also demonstrates that the biosynthesis of serotonin, DMT, 5-MeO-DMT, 5-hydroxy dimethyltryptamine, and β-carbolines in plants, as well as endogenous secretion of these compounds in the brain and blood of humans and rodents, reflects co-evolutionary mutualism in plants and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubi Barman
- Agrotechnology and Rural Development Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat - 785006, Assam, India; AcSIR - Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad - 201002, India
| | - Pranjit Kumar Bora
- Agrotechnology and Rural Development Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat - 785006, Assam, India; AcSIR - Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad - 201002, India
| | - Jadumoni Saikia
- Agrotechnology and Rural Development Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat - 785006, Assam, India; AcSIR - Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad - 201002, India
| | - Parthapratim Konwar
- Agrotechnology and Rural Development Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat - 785006, Assam, India; AcSIR - Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad - 201002, India
| | - Aditya Sarkar
- Agrotechnology and Rural Development Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat - 785006, Assam, India
| | - Phirose Kemprai
- Agrotechnology and Rural Development Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat - 785006, Assam, India; AcSIR - Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad - 201002, India
| | - Siddhartha Proteem Saikia
- Agrotechnology and Rural Development Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat - 785006, Assam, India; AcSIR - Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad - 201002, India
| | - Saikat Haldar
- Agrotechnology and Rural Development Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat - 785006, Assam, India; AcSIR - Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad - 201002, India
| | - Adrian Slater
- Faculty of School of Health and Allied Sciences, Biomolecular Technology Group, Hawthorn Building HB1.12, De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester, LE1 9BH, UK
| | - Dipanwita Banik
- Agrotechnology and Rural Development Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat - 785006, Assam, India; AcSIR - Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad - 201002, India.
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Plaatjie MTA, Onyiche TE, Ramatla T, Bezuidenhout JJ, Legoabe L, Nyembe NI, Thekisoe O. A scoping review on efficacy and safety of medicinal plants used for the treatment of diarrhea in sub-Saharan Africa. Trop Med Health 2024; 52:6. [PMID: 38173018 PMCID: PMC10763068 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-023-00569-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), significant morbidity and mortality have been linked to diarrhea, which is frequently caused by microorganisms. A rise in antimicrobial-resistant pathogens has reignited the search for alternative therapies. This scoping review aims to map the literature on medicinal plants in relation to their anti-diarrheal potential from SSA. METHODS Studies published from 1990 until April 2022 on medicinal plants used for the treatment of diarrhea from each country in SSA were searched on Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct and PubMed. The selection of articles was based on the availability of data on the in vitro and/or in vivo, ethnobotanical, and cross-sectional studies on the efficacy of medicinal plants against diarrhea. A total of 67 articles (ethnobotanical (n = 40); in vitro (n = 11), in vivo (n = 7), cross-sectional (n = 3), in vitro and in vivo (n = 2) and ethnobotanical and in vitro (n = 2), were considered for the descriptive analysis, which addressed study characteristics, herbal intervention information, phytochemistry, outcome measures, and toxicity findings. RESULTS A total of 587 different plant species (from 123 families) used for diarrhea treatment were identified. Most studies were conducted on plants from the Fabaceae family. The plants with the strongest antimicrobial activity were Indigofera daleoides and Punica granatum. Chromatographic methods were used to isolate six pure compounds from ethyl acetate extract of Hydnora johannis, and spectroscopic methods were used to determine their structures. The majority of anti-diarrheal plants were from South Africa (23.9%), Ethiopia (16.4%), and Uganda (9%). This study highlights the value of traditional remedies in treating common human diseases such as diarrhea in SSA. CONCLUSION Baseline knowledge gaps were identified in various parts of SSA. It is therefore recommended that future ethnobotanical studies document the knowledge held by other countries in SSA that have so far received less attention. Additionally, we recommend that future studies conduct phytochemical investigations, particularly on the widely used medicinal plants for the treatment of diarrheal illnesses, which can serve as a foundation for future research into the development of contemporary drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moitshepi T A Plaatjie
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - ThankGod E Onyiche
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, 600230, Nigeria
| | - Tsepo Ramatla
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
- Gastrointestinal Research Unit, Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa.
| | - Johannes J Bezuidenhout
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Lesetja Legoabe
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Nthatisi I Nyembe
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of the Free State, Phuthaditjhaba, South Africa
| | - Oriel Thekisoe
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Czigle S, Nagy M, Mladěnka P, Tóth J. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic herb-drug interactions-part I. Herbal medicines of the central nervous system. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16149. [PMID: 38025741 PMCID: PMC10656908 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Unlike conventional drug substances, herbal medicines are composed of a complex of biologically active compounds. Therefore, the potential occurrence of herb-drug interactions is even more probable than for drug-drug interactions. Interactions can occur on both the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic level. Herbal medicines may affect the resulting efficacy of the concomitantly used (synthetic) drugs, mainly on the pharmacokinetic level, by changing their absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Studies on the pharmacodynamic interactions of herbal medicines and conventional drugs are still very limited. This interaction level is related to the mechanism of action of different plant constituents. Herb-drug interactions can cause changes in drug levels and activities and lead to therapeutic failure and/or side effects (sometimes toxicities, even fatal). This review aims to provide a summary of recent information on the potential drug interactions involving commonly used herbal medicines that affect the central nervous system (Camellia, Valeriana, Ginkgo, Hypericum, Humulus, Cannabis) and conventional drugs. The survey databases were used to identify primary scientific publications, case reports, and secondary databases on interactions were used later on as well. Search keywords were based on plant names (botanical genera), officinal herbal drugs, herbal drug preparations, herbal drug extracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szilvia Czigle
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Milan Nagy
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Přemysl Mladěnka
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Tóth
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - the OEMONOM.
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
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Abstract
From the beginning of recorded history through the present day, dermatologic disorders have been treated with ethnomedicine remedies. We present the ethnodermatologic practices in Transylvania, Romania. We conducted ethnomedicine surveys in 35 villages in Transylvania (2007-2019). The 650 people interviewed were questioned about the treatment of dermatologic disorders by drugs derived from plant, animal, human, or other origins. Collected data were compared to earlier records of the regions and other European countries, completed with relevant pharmacologic studies of some plants. A total of 180 drugs were documented for 45 skin problems, including 112 plants, 1 fungus, 19 animals, 5 humans, and 43 other materials used in 11 preparation forms. Among these, 144 drugs were mentioned in humans, 10 in veterinary medicines, and 26 included in both therapies with overlapping human/animal (eg, Petroselinum crispum) and specific uses (eg, Daphne mezereum, Scrophularia nodosa). Compared to data from other countries, the local use of 32 plants and various animals and minerals was described only in the study area. The present study demonstrates that ethnomedicine practices are a valuable source of knowledge for skin diseases and highlight the relevance of fieldwork in the selected regions of Transylvania.
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Alijanpour S, Ghasemzadeh Z, Ebrahimi-Ghiri M, Zarrindast MR. Basolateral amygdala cannabinoid CB1 receptors mediate the antinociceptive activity of harmaline in adolescent male mice. Physiol Behav 2022; 254:113886. [PMID: 35718215 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Evidence suggests a clear role for the amygdala endocannabinoid system in pain processing. Harmaline has been also known as the main nociceptive agent extracted from the Peganum harmala plant. In this study, the role of basolateral amygdala (BLA) cannabinoid CB1 receptors in pain sensitivity of harmaline-treated mice were assessed using tail-flick and hot plate methods in adolescent male NMRI mice. Intraperitoneal administration of two higher doses of harmaline (6 and 8 mg/kg) increased tail-flick latency, suggesting an antinociceptive activity. The same result was observed for the higher dose of harmaline in the hot plate test. Intra-BLA microinjection of CB1 receptor agonist ACPA (1 and 1.5 ng/mouse) or (1.5 ng/mouse) enhanced the ineffective dose-response of harmaline on pain threshold in the tail-flick or hot plate tests, respectively. Microinjection of two higher doses of CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 (0.5 and 1 ng/mouse) attenuated the antinociceptive activity of harmaline (8 ng/mouse) in both tail-flick and hot plate tests. Meanwhile, ACPA and AM251 did not alter latency to withdraw from the noxious stimulus in both tests, by themselves. It should be noted that the analgesic dose of the drugs alone or in combination did not affect locomotor activity. The obtained results highlight that BLA CB1 receptors mediate the antinociceptive activity of harmaline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakineh Alijanpour
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Gonbad Kavous University, P. O. Box 163, Gonbad Kavous, Iran.
| | - Zahra Ghasemzadeh
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Carica papaya Leaf Juice for Dengue: A Scoping Review. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14081584. [PMID: 35458146 PMCID: PMC9030784 DOI: 10.3390/nu14081584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential therapeutic effect of Carica papaya leaf juice has attracted wide interest from the public and scientists in relieving dengue related manifestations. Currently, there is a lack of evaluated evidence on its juice form. Therefore, this scoping review aims to critically appraise the available scientific evidence related to the efficacy of C. papaya leaf juice in dengue. A systematic search was performed using predetermined keywords on two electronic databases (PubMed and Google Scholar). Searched results were identified, screened and appraised to establish the association between C. papaya and alleviating dengue associated conditions. A total of 28 articles (ethnobotanical information: three, in vitro studies: three, ex vivo studies: one, in vivo study: 13, clinical studies: 10) were included for descriptive analysis, which covered study characteristics, juice preparation/formulations, study outcomes, and toxicity findings. Other than larvicidal activity, this review also reveals two medicinal potentials of C. papaya leaf juice on dengue infection, namely anti-thrombocytopenic and immunomodulatory effects. C. papaya leaf juice has the potential to be a new drug candidate against dengue disease safely and effectively.
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Algradi AM, Liu Y, Yang BY, Kuang HX. Review on the genus Brugmansia: Traditional usage, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 279:113910. [PMID: 33571613 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.113910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The genus Brugmansia belongs to the Solanaceae family and contains approximately 7-8 species distributed in America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. The genus Brugmansia plants are used in the traditional medicine of different parts of the world for the treatment of inflammations, rheumatic arthritis, wounds, skin infections, headache, asthma, colic, aches, and so on. AIM OF THE REVIEW To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review study that focuses on the phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity, and traditional uses of Brugmansia species in order to understand the link between the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and modern therapeutic uses, and provide a scientific fundamental for further research in the phytochemical and pharmacological activities of their species. MATERIALS AND METHODS The information reported in this study was retrieved from the scientific database such as ScienceDirect, PubMed, Springer, CNKI, Wiley, Google Scholar, and Baidu Scholar, up until May 2020. The key search word was "Brugmansia." Additionally, information was derived by search on the reference lists of included articles and Ph.D. dissertations. RESULTS As traditional uses, Brugmansia species are used against a wide range of diseases such as body pain, inflammatory conditions, skin infection, wound, and other diseases. Also, these species are used as a hallucinogen, protection from evil, and magical rituals. Phytochemical investigations have led to reporting approximately 189 chemical compounds in this genus. Among these components, tropane alkaloids, terpenes, and flavonoids are the most representative components of Brugmansia species. The plant extracts and chemical constituents of Brugmansia species exhibit a broad spectrum of biological and pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, antioxidant, antibacterial, antispasmodic, anti-asthmatic, antinociceptive, antiprotozoal activities, and so on. CONCLUSION This review summarized and analyzed the information of traditional uses, phytochemical, pharmacological activities, and toxicity of the genus Brugmansia plants, which show their species have interesting chemical constituents with different biological activities. The traditional uses of some species from this genus have been estimated by pharmacological activities, such as the anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiasthma, antinociceptive, anti-addictive, and antiprotozoal activity. However, the traditional uses of many species have not been confirmed, also the secondary metabolites of the many species have not yet been determined and have never been pharmacologically estimated. Considerably more research is needed to assert the ethnopharmacological uses, determine the chemical constituents, toxicity, and pharmacological activities of the genus Brugmansia species. The present review will be helpful for further research in the phytochemistry and pharmacology of Brugmansia species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Mohammed Algradi
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Materia Medica, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Materia Medica, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Bing-You Yang
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Materia Medica, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, China.
| | - Hai-Xue Kuang
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Materia Medica, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, China.
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Antibiofilm Potential of Medicinal Plants against Candida spp. Oral Biofilms: A Review. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10091142. [PMID: 34572724 PMCID: PMC8464735 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10091142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of natural products to promote health is as old as human civilization. In recent years, the perception of natural products derived from plants as abundant sources of biologically active compounds has driven their exploitation towards the search for new chemical products that can lead to further pharmaceutical formulations. Candida fungi, being opportunistic pathogens, increase their virulence by acquiring resistance to conventional antimicrobials, triggering diseases, especially in immunosuppressed hosts. They are also pointed to as the main pathogens responsible for most fungal infections of the oral cavity. This increased resistance to conventional synthetic antimicrobials has driven the search for new molecules present in plant extracts, which have been widely explored as alternative agents in the prevention and treatment of infections. This review aims to provide a critical view and scope of the in vitro antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of several medicinal plants, revealing species with inhibition/reduction effects on the biofilm formed by Candida spp. in the oral cavity. The most promising plant extracts in fighting oral biofilm, given their high capacity to reduce it to low concentrations were the essential oils extracted from Allium sativum L., Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume. and Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf.
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Dantas FGDS, Castilho PFD, Almeida-Apolonio AAD, Araújo RPD, Oliveira KMPD. Mutagenic potential of medicinal plants evaluated by the Ames Salmonella/microsome assay: A systematic review. MUTATION RESEARCH-REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2020; 786:108338. [PMID: 33339578 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2020.108338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The Ames test has become one of the most commonly used tests to assess the mutagenic potential of medicinal plants since they have several biological activities and thus have been used in traditional medicine and in the pharmaceutical industry as a source of raw materials. Accordingly, this review aims to report previous use of the Ames test to evaluate the mutagenic potential of medicinal plants. A database was constructed by curating literature identified by a search on the electronic databases Medline (via Pubmed), Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science from 1975 to April 2020, using the following terms: "genotoxicity tests" OR "mutagenicity tests" OR "Ames test" AND "medicinal plants." From the research, 239 articles were selected, including studies of 478 species distributed across 111 botanical families, with Fabaceae, Asteraceae and Lamiaceae being the most frequent. It was identified that 388 species were non-mutagenic. Of these, 21% (83/388) showed antimutagenic potential, most notable in the Lamiaceae family. The results also indicate that 18% (90/478) of the species were mutagenic, of which 54% were mutagenic in the presence and absence of S9. Strains TA98 and TA100 showed a sensitivity of 93% in detecting plant extracts with mutagenic potential. However, the reliability of many reviewed studies regarding the botanical extracts may be questioned due to technical issues, such as testing being performed only in the presence or absence of S9, use of maximum doses below 5 mg/plate and lack of information on the cytotoxicity of tested doses. These methodological aspects additionally demonstrated that a discussion about the doses used in research on mixtures, such as the ones assessed with botanical extracts and the most sensitive strains employed to detect the mutagenic potential, should be included in a possible update of the guidelines designed by the regulatory agencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Gomes da Silva Dantas
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brazil; Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brazil
| | | | | | - Renata Pires de Araújo
- Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brazil; Faculty of Exact Sciences and Technology, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brazil
| | - Kelly Mari Pires de Oliveira
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brazil; Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brazil.
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Wang Z, He C, Shi JS. Natural Products for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:5790-5828. [PMID: 31131744 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190527120614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by the progressive degeneration of the structure and function of the central nervous system or peripheral nervous system. Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Parkinson's Disease (PD) and Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) are the common neurodegenerative diseases, which typically occur in people over the age of 60. With the rapid development of an aged society, over 60 million people worldwide are suffering from these uncurable diseases. Therefore, the search for new drugs and therapeutic methods has become an increasingly important research topic. Natural products especially those from the Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs), are the most important sources of drugs, and have received extensive interest among pharmacist. In this review, in order to facilitate further chemical modification of those useful natural products by pharmacists, we will bring together recent studies in single natural compound from TCMs with neuroprotective effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze Wang
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Guizhou 563003, China.,Generic Drug Research Center of Guizhou Province, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, 563003, P.R. China
| | - Chunyang He
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Guizhou 563003, China.,Generic Drug Research Center of Guizhou Province, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, 563003, P.R. China
| | - Jing-Shan Shi
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Guizhou 563003, China
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Phytochemistry, pharmacology and medicinal uses of Cola (Malvaceae) family: a review. Med Chem Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00044-020-02637-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Sarikurkcu C, Zengin G. Polyphenol Profile and Biological Activity Comparisons of Different Parts of Astragalus macrocephalus subsp. finitimus from Turkey. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9080231. [PMID: 32824439 PMCID: PMC7464095 DOI: 10.3390/biology9080231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The members of the genus Astragalus have great interest as traditional drugs in several folk systems including Turkey. In this sense, the present paper was aimed to explore the biological properties and chemical profiles of different parts (aerial parts, leaves, flowers, stems, and roots) of A. macrocephalus subsp. finitimus. Antioxidant (radical quenching, reducing power, and metal chelating) and enzyme inhibitory (α-amylase and tyrosinase) effects were investigated for biological properties. Regarding chemical profiles, individual phenolic compounds were detected by LC-MS, as well as total amounts. The leaves extract exhibited the strongest antioxidant abilities when compared with other parts. However, flowers extract had the best metal chelating ability. Hyperoside, apigenin, p-coumaric, and ferulic acids were identified as main compounds in the tested parts. Regarding enzyme inhibitory properties, tyrosinase inhibitory effects varied from IC50: 1.02 to 1.41 mg/mL. In addition, the best amylase inhibition effect was observed by leaves (3.36 mg/mL), followed by aerial parts, roots, stems, and flowers. As a result, from multivariate analysis, the tested parts were classified in three cluster. Summing up the results, it can be concluded that A. macrocephalus subsp. finitimus could be a precious source of natural bioactive agents in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cengiz Sarikurkcu
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar 03030, Turkey;
| | - Gokhan Zengin
- Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Selcuk University, Campus, Konya 42130, Turkey
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +90-332-223-2781
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Kaserer T, Steinacher T, Kainhofer R, Erli F, Sturm S, Waltenberger B, Schuster D, Spetea M. Identification and characterization of plant-derived alkaloids, corydine and corydaline, as novel mu opioid receptor agonists. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13804. [PMID: 32796875 PMCID: PMC7427800 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70493-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain remains a key therapeutic area with intensive efforts directed toward finding effective and safer analgesics in light of the ongoing opioid crisis. Amongst the neurotransmitter systems involved in pain perception and modulation, the mu-opioid receptor (MOR), a G protein-coupled receptor, represents one of the most important targets for achieving effective pain relief. Most clinically used opioid analgesics are agonists to the MOR, but they can also cause severe side effects. Medicinal plants represent important sources of new drug candidates, with morphine and its semisynthetic analogues as well-known examples as analgesic drugs. In this study, combining in silico (pharmacophore-based virtual screening and docking) and pharmacological (in vitro binding and functional assays, and behavioral tests) approaches, we report on the discovery of two naturally occurring plant alkaloids, corydine and corydaline, as new MOR agonists that produce antinociceptive effects in mice after subcutaneous administration via a MOR-dependent mechanism. Furthermore, corydine and corydaline were identified as G protein-biased agonists to the MOR without inducing β-arrestin2 recruitment upon receptor activation. Thus, these new scaffolds represent valuable starting points for future chemical optimization towards the development of novel opioid analgesics, which may exhibit improved therapeutic profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Kaserer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Theresa Steinacher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Roman Kainhofer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Filippo Erli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sonja Sturm
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Birgit Waltenberger
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Daniela Schuster
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria. .,Department of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Paracelsus Medical University, Strubergasse 22, 5020, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Mariana Spetea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
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14
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Süntar I, Cevik CK, Çeribaşı AO, Gökbulut A. Healing effects of Cornus mas L. in experimentally induced ulcerative colitis in rats: From ethnobotany to pharmacology. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 248:112322. [PMID: 31644942 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The ethnobotanical studies conducted in Turkey and other countries have revealed that Cornus mas L., from the family Cornaceae have been used against stomachache, diarrhea and colitis. AIM OF THE STUDY The objective the present study is to determine the possible activity of C. mas in experimentally induced ulcerative colitis in rats and to identify its phytochemical feature. MATERIALS AND METHODS 2,4,6-Trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis model was induced in rats. The rats were orally treated with different doses (50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) of C. mas 80% methanol extract for 14 days. Increase in body weight, consumed amount of feed, form of the stool, presence of rectal prolapse were followed every day. At the end of the experiment, colon tissues were removed and wet weights for each animal were measured and colon damages were scored. Total antioxidant and total oxidant status, cytokine (TNF-α and IL-1β) and protein levels of colon tissues were evaluated and histopathological analyses were carried out. After the detection of the effective dose as 400 mg/kg, the aqueous methanol extract was fractionated by using liquid-liquid fractionation technique and the sub-extracts were also tested for in vivo biological activities. High Performance Liquid Chromatography analyses were conducted to determine the phytochemical profile of the active crude extract and n-butanol sub-extract. RESULTS Amount of feed consumed per day and increase in body weight were the lowest in the control group, while those values were determined to be the highest in 80% methanol extract (at 400 mg/kg dose), n-butanol sub-extract and reference groups. Following colitis induction, it was determined that the fecal form was yellow-slippery in all groups and returned to normal after the treatment with C. mas extracts. Rectal prolapse score was less in the extract (400 mg/kg) and n-butanol sub-extract treated groups. Total antioxidant, total oxidant status, cytokine and protein levels were found to be in parallel with macroscopic findings. 80% methanol extract (400 mg/kg) and n-butanol sub-extract provided the best healing according to the wet weight measurements and colon damage scoring performed on the removed colon tissues. These findings supported the results of histopathological analysis. According to the chromatographic analysis, ellagic acid was determined in both extracts and its amount was quantified. CONCLUSIONS The present study has verified the ethnomedical use of C. mas for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ipek Süntar
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, 06330, Etiler, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Can Kerem Cevik
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, 06330, Etiler, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ali Osman Çeribaşı
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Fırat University, 23119, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Alper Gökbulut
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara University, 06100, Tandogan, Ankara, Turkey
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15
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Mautone M, De Martino L, De Feo V. Ethnobotanical research in Cava de' Tirreni area, Southern Italy. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2019; 15:50. [PMID: 31623655 PMCID: PMC6798482 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-019-0330-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To best of our knowledge, this is the first quantitative ethnobotanical study with the aim of documenting the local knowledge and practices of using plants for curing diseases in the Cava de' Tirreni area, Salerno Province, Campania Region, Italy. The present ethnobotanical field study, carried out during 2016-2017, documents the local uses of 119 plant species for medicinal, food and domestic purposes. METHODS Ethnobotanical data were documented from 70 informants: field data were collected and information on the uses of plants was gathered through semi-structured and structured interviews with persons who still retain traditional ethnobotanical knowledge. Documented data were evaluated using the quantitative ethnobotanical index of use value (UV). RESULTS Overall, the informants native of the area were interviewed and 277 use-reports have been recorded. The scientific names, local names, plant part used, preparation and administration processes are reported and compared with practices in other Southern Italian regions. In total, 101 species are documented as medicinal, 36 as food or food aromatizer, 29 for domestic and handicraft uses, 10 in veterinary medicine. More or less 64% of all species have more uses and over half of the food plants (23 species) are also used for medicinal purposes. CONCLUSIONS The comparison of the documented species and their uses with ethnobotanical literature of other Italian regions reveals that the traditional plant knowledge in this area shows strong similarities with adjacent Southern Italian areas. Some of the recorded species and administration processes however seem to be unique for the zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Mautone
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Laura De Martino
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Vincenzo De Feo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
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16
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Wise G, Negrin A. A critical review of the composition and history of safe use of guayusa: a stimulant and antioxidant novel food. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2019; 60:2393-2404. [DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2019.1643286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Graham Wise
- Office of the Vice President of Innovation, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena, Ecuador
- Center for Global Health Equity, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Adam Negrin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College, Bronx, New York, USA
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17
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Panda SK, Das R, Leyssen P, Neyts J, Luyten W. Assessing medicinal plants traditionally used in the Chirang Reserve Forest, Northeast India for antimicrobial activity. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2018; 225:220-233. [PMID: 30005956 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2017] [Revised: 06/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Knowledge on the use of plants for different ailments by the tribals of the Chirang Reserve Forest (CRF, Northeast India) was used to assess the potential of these plants for treating viral, bacterial and fungal infections. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fieldwork in the CRF documented the use of plants for the treatment of various human ailments. The ethnobotanical data were analysed using different quantitative indices viz. Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Relative Frequency Citation (RFC), Fidelity Level (FL), Relative Popularity Level (RPL) and Rank Order Priority (ROP). For each plant, four extracts were prepared with different solvents (water, ethanol, acetone and hexane) and tested for bioactivity such as antiviral (Enterovirus 71) and antimicrobial (E. coli, S. aureus, C. albicans) effects. To develop fingerprints, thin layer chromatography (TLC) was carried out with at least one extract of each active plant. RESULTS Thirty-seven plant species belonging to 26 families used frequently in the CRF were categorised into twenty disease(s) and markedly high ICF values (0.5-1) were found. The FL of the 19 most important plant species ranged from 10% to 100%. Aglaia spectabilis, Actinodaphne obovata, Bischofia javanica, Gmelina arborea, Hodgsonia macrocarpa and Mesua ferrea were the most popular plant species with RPL values > 0.4. The most commonly treated diseases were skin infections, worm infections, diarrhoea, dysentery, common cold and throat infections, cough and respiratory problems, fever, malaria, rheumatism, pain, stomach ache and gastric problems. Among the taxonomic families, the most represented are Lauraceae (4 species); Meliaceae (3 species), Euphorbiaceae, Elaecarpoceae, Magnoliaceae, Malvaceae, Moraceae and Myrtaceae (2 species each). Of these, 35 plants (95%) with 91 of their extracts were found to be active against S. aureus (inhibition > 50%). Similarly, over half of the tested plants inhibited growth of E. coli (19 plants with 31 extracts) while 9 plants with 14 extracts were active against C. albicans. Moreover, one-third (12) of the plants showed anti-enteroviral activity. TLC analysis of the extracts indicates the presence of different phytochemical classes such as alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids and saponins based on observing characteristic spots under visible or UV light (254 or 360 nm), with or without derivatisation. CONCLUSIONS Thirty-seven plants commonly used by the tribes of the CRF as anti-infective agents offer perspectives for further research, as the phytochemistry and phytopharmacology for most of these plants have not been published to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujogya Kumar Panda
- Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Department of Zoology, North Orissa University, Baripada 757003, India.
| | - Raju Das
- Department of Zoology, North Orissa University, Baripada 757003, India; Nature's Foster, P. Box. 41, Shastri Road, Bongaigaon, Assam 783380, India.
| | - Pieter Leyssen
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Johan Neyts
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Walter Luyten
- Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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18
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Hart G, Gaoue OG, de la Torre L, Navarrete H, Muriel P, Macía MJ, Balslev H, León-Yánez S, Jørgensen P, Duffy DC. Availability, diversification and versatility explain human selection of introduced plants in Ecuadorian traditional medicine. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0184369. [PMID: 28886104 PMCID: PMC5590918 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, a majority of people use plants as a primary source of healthcare and introduced plants are increasingly discussed as medicine. Protecting this resource for human health depends upon understanding which plants are used and how use patterns will change over time. The increasing use of introduced plants in local pharmacopoeia has been explained by their greater abundance or accessibility (availability hypothesis), their ability to cure medical conditions that are not treated by native plants (diversification hypothesis), or as a result of the introduced plants’ having many different simultaneous roles (versatility hypothesis). In order to describe the role of introduced plants in Ecuador, and to test these three hypotheses, we asked if introduced plants are over-represented in the Ecuadorian pharmacopoeia, and if their use as medicine is best explained by the introduced plants’ greater availability, different therapeutic applications, or greater number of use categories. Drawing on 44,585 plant-use entries, and the checklist of >17,000 species found in Ecuador, we used multi-model inference to test if more introduced plants are used as medicines in Ecuador than expected by chance, and examine the support for each of the three hypotheses above. We find nuanced support for all hypotheses. More introduced plants are utilized than would be expected by chance, which can be explained by geographic distribution, their strong association with cultivation, diversification (except with regard to introduced diseases), and therapeutic versatility, but not versatility of use categories. Introduced plants make a disproportionately high contribution to plant medicine in Ecuador. The strong association of cultivation with introduced medicinal plant use highlights the importance of the maintenance of human-mediated environments such as homegardens and agroforests for the provisioning of healthcare services.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Hart
- Department of Botany, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Orou G. Gaoue
- Department of Botany, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, United States of America
- Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, APK Campus, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lucía de la Torre
- Herbario QCA, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Hugo Navarrete
- Escuela de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Priscilla Muriel
- Escuela de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Manuel J. Macía
- Departamento de Biología, Área de Bótanica, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Henrik Balslev
- Institut for Bioscience, Aarhus Universitet, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Susana León-Yánez
- Escuela de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Peter Jørgensen
- Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - David Cameron Duffy
- Department of Botany, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, United States of America
- Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, United States of America
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19
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Sherwood AM, Crowley RS, Paton KF, Biggerstaff A, Neuenswander B, Day VW, Kivell BM, Prisinzano TE. Addressing Structural Flexibility at the A-Ring on Salvinorin A: Discovery of a Potent Kappa-Opioid Agonist with Enhanced Metabolic Stability. J Med Chem 2017; 60:3866-3878. [PMID: 28376298 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Previous structure-activity studies on the neoclerodane diterpenoid salvinorin A have demonstrated the importance of the acetoxy functionality on the A-ring in its activity as a κ-opioid receptor agonist. Few studies have focused on understanding the role of conformation in these interactions. Herein we describe the synthesis and evaluation of both flexible and conformationally restricted compounds derived from salvinorin A. One such compound, spirobutyrolactone 14, was synthesized in a single step from salvinorin B and had similar potency and selectivity to salvinorin A (EC50 = 0.6 ± 0.2 nM at κ; >10000 nM at μ and δ). Microsomal stability studies demonstrated that 14 was more metabolically resistant than salvinorin A. Evaluation of analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties revealed similar in vivo effects between 14 and salvinorin A. To our knowledge, this study represents the first example of bioisosteric replacement of an acetate group by a spirobutyrolactone to produce a metabolically resistant derivative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M Sherwood
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, The University of Kansas , Lawrence, Kansas 66045, United States
| | - Rachel Saylor Crowley
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, The University of Kansas , Lawrence, Kansas 66045, United States
| | - Kelly F Paton
- School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington , Wellington 6012, New Zealand
| | - Andrew Biggerstaff
- School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington , Wellington 6012, New Zealand
| | - Benjamin Neuenswander
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, The University of Kansas , Lawrence, Kansas 66045, United States
| | - Victor W Day
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Kansas , Lawrence, Kansas 66045, United States
| | - Bronwyn M Kivell
- School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington , Wellington 6012, New Zealand
| | - Thomas E Prisinzano
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, The University of Kansas , Lawrence, Kansas 66045, United States
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20
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Graziano S, Orsolini L, Rotolo MC, Tittarelli R, Schifano F, Pichini S. Herbal Highs: Review on Psychoactive Effects and Neuropharmacology. Curr Neuropharmacol 2017; 15:750-761. [PMID: 27799032 PMCID: PMC5771051 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x14666161031144427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Revised: 06/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A new trend among users of new psychoactive substances' the consumption of "herbal highs": plant parts containing psychoactive substances. Most of the substances extracted from herbs, in old centuries were at the centre of religious ceremonies of ancient civilizations. Currently, these herbal products are mainly sold by internet web sites and easily obtained since some of them have no legal restriction. OBJECTIVE We reviewed psychoactive effects and neuropharmacology of the most used "herbal highs" with characterized active principles, with studies reporting mechanisms of action, pharmacological and subjective effects, eventual secondary effects including intoxications and/or fatalities Method: The PubMed database was searched using the following key.words: herbal highs, Argyreia nervosa, Ipomoea violacea and Rivea corymbosa; Catha edulis; Datura stramonium; Piper methysticum; Mitragyna speciosa. RESULTS Psychoactive plants here reviewed have been known and used from ancient times, even if for some of them limited information still exist regarding subjective and neuropharmacological effects and consequent eventual toxicity when plants are used alone or in combination with "classical" drugs of abuse. CONCLUSION Some "herbal highs" should be classified as harmful drugs since chronic administration has been linked with addiction and cognitive impairment; for some others taking into consideration only the recent trends of abuse, studies investigating these aspects are lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Graziano
- Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicines Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Orsolini
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, College Lane Campus, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Herts, AL10 9AB, UK
- Villa San Giuseppe Hospital, Hermanas Hospitalarias, Ascoli Piceno, Italy
- Polyedra Research, Polyedra, Teramo, Italy
| | - Maria Concetta Rotolo
- Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicines Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Tittarelli
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology (UoFT), Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Schifano
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, College Lane Campus, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Herts, AL10 9AB, UK
| | - Simona Pichini
- Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicines Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
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21
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Alrashedy NA, Molina J. The ethnobotany of psychoactive plant use: a phylogenetic perspective. PeerJ 2016; 4:e2546. [PMID: 27761334 PMCID: PMC5068365 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychoactive plants contain chemicals that presumably evolved as allelochemicals but target certain neuronal receptors when consumed by humans, altering perception, emotion and cognition. These plants have been used since ancient times as medicines and in the context of religious rituals for their various psychoactive effects (e.g., as hallucinogens, stimulants, sedatives). The ubiquity of psychoactive plants in various cultures motivates investigation of the commonalities among these plants, in which a phylogenetic framework may be insightful. A phylogeny of culturally diverse psychoactive plant taxa was constructed with their psychotropic effects and affected neurotransmitter systems mapped on the phylogeny. The phylogenetic distribution shows multiple evolutionary origins of psychoactive families. The plant families Myristicaceae (e.g., nutmeg), Papaveraceae (opium poppy), Cactaceae (peyote), Convolvulaceae (morning glory), Solanaceae (tobacco), Lamiaceae (mints), Apocynaceae (dogbane) have a disproportionate number of psychoactive genera with various indigenous groups using geographically disparate members of these plant families for the same psychoactive effect, an example of cultural convergence. Pharmacological traits related to hallucinogenic and sedative potential are phylogenetically conserved within families. Unrelated families that exert similar psychoactive effects also modulate similar neurotransmitter systems (i.e., mechanistic convergence). However, pharmacological mechanisms for stimulant effects were varied even within families suggesting that stimulant chemicals may be more evolutionarily labile than those associated with hallucinogenic and sedative effects. Chemically similar psychoactive chemicals may also exist in phylogenetically unrelated lineages, suggesting convergent evolution or differential gene regulation of a common metabolic pathway. Our study has shown that phylogenetic analysis of traditionally used psychoactive plants suggests multiple ethnobotanical origins and widespread human dependence on these plants, motivating pharmacological investigation into their potential as modern therapeutics for various neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeanmaire Molina
- Department of Biology, Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY, United States
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22
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Ricigliano V, Kumar S, Kinison S, Brooks C, Nybo SE, Chappell J, Howarth DG. Regulation of sesquiterpenoid metabolism in recombinant and elicited Valeriana officinalis hairy roots. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2016; 125:43-53. [PMID: 26920719 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2016.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Revised: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The medicinal properties of Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) root preparations are attributed to the anxiolytic sesquiterpenoid valerenic acid and its biosynthetic precursors valerenal and valerenadiene, as well as the anti-inflammatory sesquiterpenoid β-caryophyllene. In order to study and engineer the biosynthesis of these pharmacologically active metabolites, a binary vector co-transformation system was developed for V. officinalis hairy roots. The relative expression levels and jasmonate-inducibility of a number of genes associated with sesquiterpenoid metabolism were profiled in roots: farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (VoFPS), valerendiene synthase (VoVDS), germacrene C synthase (VoGCS), and a cytochrome P450 (CYP71D442) putatively associated with terpene metabolism based on sequence homology. Recombinant hairy root lines overexpressing VoFPS or VoVDS were generated and compared to control cultures. Overexpression of the VoFPS cDNA increased levels of the corresponding transcript 4- to 8-fold and sesquiterpene hydrocarbon accumulation by 1.5- to 4-fold. Overexpression of the VoVDS cDNA increased the corresponding transcript levels 5- to 9-fold and markedly increased yields of the oxygenated sesquiterpenoids valerenic acid and valerenal. Our findings suggest that the availability of cytoplasmic farnesyl diphosphate and valerenadiene are potential bottlenecks in Valeriana-specific sesquiterpenoid biosynthesis, which is also subject to regulation by methyl jasmonate elicitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Ricigliano
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John's University, Jamaica, NY 11439, United States.
| | - Santosh Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, United States
| | - Scott Kinison
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, United States
| | - Christopher Brooks
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John's University, Jamaica, NY 11439, United States
| | - S Eric Nybo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, United States
| | - Joe Chappell
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, United States.
| | - Dianella G Howarth
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John's University, Jamaica, NY 11439, United States.
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Kantati YT, Kodjo KM, Dogbeavou KS, Vaudry D, Leprince J, Gbeassor M. Ethnopharmacological survey of plant species used in folk medicine against central nervous system disorders in Togo. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2016; 181:214-220. [PMID: 26869544 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Revised: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Neurological diseases are rising all around the world. In a developing country such as Togo, although plant-based medicines are the only means, still very little is known regarding the nature and efficiency of medicinal plants used by indigenous people to manage central nervous system (CNS) disorders. AIM OF THE STUDY This study, an ethnobotanical survey, aimed to report plant species used in traditional medicine (TM) for the management of various CNS disorders in Togo. MATERIALS AND METHODS 52 traditional actors (TA) including 33 traditional healers (TH) and 19 medicinal plant sellers (MPS) were interviewed, using a questionnaire mentioning informants' general data and uses of medicinal plants. RESULTS The present study reports 44 medicinal plant species distributed into 26 families, mentioning scientific and common local names, plant organs used, preparation method, root of administration and putative applications. CONCLUSION It appears that there is a real knowledge on medicinal plants used for traditional treatment of CNS disorders in Togo and that the local flora abounds of potentially neuroactive plants which could be useful for the discovery of antipsychotic or neuroprotective molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yendube T Kantati
- Laboratory of Physiology/Pharmacology, University of Lomé, Po Box: 1515 Lomé, Togo.
| | - K Magloire Kodjo
- Laboratory of Physiology/Pharmacology, University of Lomé, Po Box: 1515 Lomé, Togo
| | - Koffi S Dogbeavou
- Laboratory of Physiology/Pharmacology, University of Lomé, Po Box: 1515 Lomé, Togo
| | - David Vaudry
- INSERM U982, Neurotrophic Factors and Neuronal Differentiation Team, University of Rouen, Place E. Blondel, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Jérôme Leprince
- INSERM U982, Neurotrophic Factors and Neuronal Differentiation Team, University of Rouen, Place E. Blondel, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Messanvi Gbeassor
- Laboratory of Physiology/Pharmacology, University of Lomé, Po Box: 1515 Lomé, Togo
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Abstract
Chemical analyses of organic residues in fragments of pottery from 18 sites in the US Southwest and Mexican Northwest reveal combinations of methylxanthines (caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline) indicative of stimulant drinks, probably concocted using either cacao or holly leaves and twigs. The results cover a time period from around A.D. 750-1400, and a spatial distribution from southern Colorado to northern Chihuahua. As with populations located throughout much of North and South America, groups in the US Southwest and Mexican Northwest likely consumed stimulant drinks in communal, ritual gatherings. The results have implications for economic and social relations among North American populations.
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Cleide AST, Luis FBM, Uilson PDS, Paola DSDR, Adriana MMFDM, Maria DCV, Kely DPS, Edson LDS. Evaluation of the antioxidant activity, antimicrobial effect and acute toxicity from leaves of Allophylus edulis (A. St.-Hil., A. Juss. Cambess .) Hieron. ex Niederl. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.5897/ajpp2015.4270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Stewart AM, Nguyen M, Poudel MK, Warnick JE, Echevarria DJ, Beaton EA, Song C, Kalueff AV. The failure of anxiolytic therapies in early clinical trials: what needs to be done. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2015; 24:543-56. [PMID: 25727478 DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2015.1019063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Anxiety spectrum disorders (ASDs) are highly prevalent psychiatric illnesses that affect millions of people worldwide. Strongly associated with stress, common ASDs include generalized anxiety disorder, panic, social anxiety, phobias and drug-abuse-related anxiety. In addition to ASDs, several other prevalent psychiatric illnesses represent trauma/stressor-related disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and acute stress disorder. Anxiolytic drugs, commonly prescribed to treat ASDs and trauma/stressor-related disorders, form a highly heterogenous group, modulating multiple neurotransmitters and physiological mechanisms. However, overt individual differences in efficacy and the potential for serious side-effects (including addiction and drug interaction) indicate a need for further drug development. Yet, over the past 50 years, there has been relatively little progress in the development of novel anxiolytic medications, especially when promising candidate drugs often fail in early clinical trials. AREAS COVERED Herein, the authors present recommendations of the Task Force on Anxiolytic Drugs of the International Stress and Behavior Society on how to improve anxiolytic drug discovery. These recommendations cover a wide spectrum of aspects, ranging from methodological improvements to conceptual insights and innovation. EXPERT OPINION In order to improve the success of anxiolytic drugs in early clinical trials, the goals of preclinical trials may need to be adjusted from a clinical perspective and better synchronized with those of clinical studies. Indeed, it is important to realize that the strategic goals and approaches must be similar if we want to have a smoother transition between phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Michael Stewart
- ZENEREI Institute , 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA , USA +1 240 328 2275 ; +1 240 328 2275 ;
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Santos ECS, Bicca MA, Blum-Silva CH, Costa APR, Dos Santos AA, Schenkel EP, Farina M, Reginatto FH, de Lima TCM. Anxiolytic-like, stimulant and neuroprotective effects of Ilex paraguariensis extracts in mice. Neuroscience 2015; 292:13-21. [PMID: 25681522 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Revised: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Yerba-mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) is the most used beverage in Latin America with approximately 426 thousand of tons consumed per year. Considering the broad use of this plant, we aimed to investigate the anxiety-like and stimulant activity of both the hydroethanolic (HE) and aqueous (AE) extracts from leaves of I. paraguariensis. Swiss mice were treated with I. paraguariensis HE or AE chronically or acutely, respectively, followed by evaluation in the elevated plus-maze (EPM; anxiety-like paradigm), open field (OF; locomotor activity) or the step-down avoidance task (memory assessment). Following behavioral protocols the brains were collected for evaluation of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity ex vivo. Chronic treatment with HE induced an anxiolytic-like effect and increased motor activity besides augmented AChE activity. Additionally, acute treatment with AE prevented the scopolamine-induced memory deficit in the step-down avoidance task. Overall, our results indicate the importance of the I. paraguariensis-induced CNS effects, since it is a widely used nutraceutical. We have reported anxiolytic, stimulant and neuroprotective effects for this plant species. These effects are potentially modulated by the cholinergic system as well as by caffeine.
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Affiliation(s)
- E C S Santos
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, 88049-970 Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - M A Bicca
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, 88049-970 Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - C H Blum-Silva
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Centro de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, 88049-970 Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - A P R Costa
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, 88049-970 Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - A A Dos Santos
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, 88049-970 Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - E P Schenkel
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Centro de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, 88049-970 Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - M Farina
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, 88049-970 Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - F H Reginatto
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Centro de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, 88049-970 Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - T C M de Lima
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, 88049-970 Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
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Du B, Tang X, Liu F, Zhang C, Zhao G, Ren F, Leng X. Antidepressant-like effects of the hydroalcoholic extracts of Hemerocallis citrina and its potential active components. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2014; 14:326. [PMID: 25179173 PMCID: PMC4289322 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Background Herbal therapies are potential alternatives and adjuncts for depression treatment. The present study aims to investigate the antidepressant-like effects of hydroalcoholic Hemerocallis citrina extracts and its potential neuropharmacological components. Methods Hydroalcoholic H. citrina extracts were phytochemically analyzed. Behavioral models, including tail suspension tests and open field tests, were performed to evaluate the antidepressant-like effects of the extracts. A possible mechanism was explored by analyzing brain monoamine neurotransmitters. Toxicity and histopathological analyses were performed to determine whether or not the extracts are safe for oral administration. Results The antidepressant-like effects of hydroalcoholic H. citrina extracts were mainly related to flavonoids, especially rutin and hesperidin. The extract prepared using 75% ethanol (i.e., HCE75) exhibited the highest active flavonoid content and activity. Orally administered 400 mg/kg of HCE75 significantly induced an antidepressant-like effect, whereas the combination of equivalent rutin and hesperidin dosages exhibited the same profiles. Isobologram analysis showed sub-additive antidepressant interactions between rutin and hesperidin. HCE75 (400 mg/kg, p.o.) increased the serotonin and dopamine levels in the central nervous system. Mortality and lesions were not observed upon oral administration of up to 5000 mg/kg HCE75. Conclusions The antidepressant-like effects of hydroalcoholic H. citrina extracts are mainly related to flavonoids, especially rutin and hesperidin. The serotonergic and dopaminergic systems may have major roles. The active extract is toxicologically safe for oral administration.
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Urban Ethnobotany: Theoretical and Methodological Contributions. SPRINGER PROTOCOLS HANDBOOKS 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-8636-7_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Poudel RC, Gao LM, Möller M, Baral SR, Uprety Y, Liu J, Li DZ. Yews (Taxus) along the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region: exploring the ethnopharmacological relevance among communities of Mongol and Caucasian origins. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2013; 147:190-203. [PMID: 23473867 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2012] [Revised: 02/23/2013] [Accepted: 02/27/2013] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Three species of yews Taxus contorta Griff., Taxus mairei (Lemée & Lév.) S.Y. Hu ex T.S. Liu and Taxus wallichiana Zucc. distributed in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan (HKH) region have been commercially exploited in recent decades to extract an anticancer chemotherapeutic drug 'Taxol'. Additionally, indigenous people of this region are using yews for several other purposes including gastro-intestinal disorders, respiratory problems, skeletal system disorders, and as edible fruit, fodder, fish poison, traditional veterinary medicine, among others. AIM OF THE STUDY The study was designed to document and evaluate knowledge concerning uses of yews among indigenous communities of Mongol and Caucasian origins. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ethnobotanical knowledge from 10 major ethnic/caste groups of Mongol and Caucasian origins in the Nepal Himalayas was documented in 2010 and 2011 from 27 sites covering the extant distribution range of the three species of Taxus. A total of 72 key informants (60 men, 12 women), recommended by the majority of people in informal group discussions at each study site, were interviewed to collect information on the importance of yews. RESULTS This study reports multidimensional uses of yews commonly practiced by different indigenous communities of Nepal and compared those with published uses along the HKH region. The key informants cited a total 45 uses under 21 categories. A greater use diversity and high consensus value for use types were recorded for medicinal uses (gastro-intestinal ailments, cough and cold, skeleto-muscular system problem and others medicinal importance) followed by fruit consumption, household tools, agriculture implements and timber. A decline of yew populations and associated traditional knowledge among the younger generations of indigenous people was found. CONCLUSION The present study shows a strong agreement of ethnobotanical knowledge on yews between communities of Mongols and Caucasian origins. Our findings further revealed the potential for additional therapeutic applications in yews of the HKH region, besides cancer treatment. To compensate the low yield of 'Taxol', and the fact that three yew species are involved, the reported species-specific curative properties need to be validated scientifically and evaluated clinically. Moreover, initiatives should be taken immediately to stop further degradation of yew populations and the associated indigenous knowledge in the HKH region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram C Poudel
- Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Biogeography, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, China
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Phylogenies reveal predictive power of traditional medicine in bioprospecting. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:15835-40. [PMID: 22984175 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1202242109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
There is controversy about whether traditional medicine can guide drug discovery, and investment in bioprospecting informed by ethnobotanical data has fluctuated. One view is that traditionally used medicinal plants are not necessarily efficacious and there are no robust methods for distinguishing those which are most likely to be bioactive when selecting species for further testing. Here, we reconstruct a genus-level molecular phylogenetic tree representing the 20,000 species found in the floras of three disparate biodiversity hotspots: Nepal, New Zealand, and the Cape of South Africa. Borrowing phylogenetic methods from community ecology, we reveal significant clustering of the 1,500 traditionally used species, and provide a direct measure of the relatedness of the three medicinal floras. We demonstrate shared phylogenetic patterns across the floras: related plants from these regions are used to treat medical conditions in the same therapeutic areas. This finding strongly indicates independent discovery of plant efficacy, an interpretation corroborated by the presence of a significantly greater proportion of known bioactive species in these plant groups than in random samples. We conclude that phylogenetic cross-cultural comparisons can focus screening efforts on a subset of traditionally used plants that are richer in bioactive compounds, and could revitalize the use of traditional knowledge in bioprospecting.
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Tillhon M, Guamán Ortiz LM, Lombardi P, Scovassi AI. Berberine: new perspectives for old remedies. Biochem Pharmacol 2012; 84:1260-7. [PMID: 22842630 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2012.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 306] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2012] [Revised: 07/13/2012] [Accepted: 07/16/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chemical compounds derived from plants have been used since the origin of human beings to counteract a number of diseases. Among them, the natural isoquinoline alkaloid berberine has been employed in Ayurvedic and Chinese Medicine for hundreds of years with a wide range of pharmacological and biochemical effects. More recently, a growing body of reports supports the evidence that berberine has anticancer effects, being able to block the proliferation of and to kill cancer cells. This review addresses the properties and therapeutic use of berberine and focuses on the recent advances as promising anticancer drug lead.
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Ningthoujam SS, Talukdar AD, Potsangbam KS, Choudhury MD. Challenges in developing medicinal plant databases for sharing ethnopharmacological knowledge. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2012; 141:9-32. [PMID: 22401841 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.02.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2011] [Revised: 02/19/2012] [Accepted: 02/25/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Major research contributions in ethnopharmacology have generated vast amount of data associated with medicinal plants. Computerized databases facilitate data management and analysis making coherent information available to researchers, planners and other users. Web-based databases also facilitate knowledge transmission and feed the circle of information exchange between the ethnopharmacological studies and public audience. However, despite the development of many medicinal plant databases, a lack of uniformity is still discernible. Therefore, it calls for defining a common standard to achieve the common objectives of ethnopharmacology. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of the study is to review the diversity of approaches in storing ethnopharmacological information in databases and to provide some minimal standards for these databases. MATERIALS AND METHODS Survey for articles on medicinal plant databases was done on the Internet by using selective keywords. Grey literatures and printed materials were also searched for information. Listed resources were critically analyzed for their approaches in content type, focus area and software technology. RESULTS Necessity for rapid incorporation of traditional knowledge by compiling primary data has been felt. While citation collection is common approach for information compilation, it could not fully assimilate local literatures which reflect traditional knowledge. Need for defining standards for systematic evaluation, checking quality and authenticity of the data is felt. Databases focussing on thematic areas, viz., traditional medicine system, regional aspect, disease and phytochemical information are analyzed. Issues pertaining to data standard, data linking and unique identification need to be addressed in addition to general issues like lack of update and sustainability. In the background of the present study, suggestions have been made on some minimum standards for development of medicinal plant database. CONCLUSION In spite of variations in approaches, existence of many overlapping features indicates redundancy of resources and efforts. As the development of global data in a single database may not be possible in view of the culture-specific differences, efforts can be given to specific regional areas. Existing scenario calls for collaborative approach for defining a common standard in medicinal plant database for knowledge sharing and scientific advancement.
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Vandebroek I, Reyes-García V, de Albuquerque UP, Bussmann R, Pieroni A. Local knowledge: who cares? JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2011; 7:35. [PMID: 22113005 PMCID: PMC3286427 DOI: 10.1186/1746-4269-7-35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2011] [Accepted: 11/23/2011] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ina Vandebroek
- Institute of Economic Botany, The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard, 10458 Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Victoria Reyes-García
- ICREA and Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellatera, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ulysses P de Albuquerque
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Departamento de Biologia, Área de Botânica, R. Dom Manoel de Medeiros, S/N, Dois Irmãos, Recife, Pernambuco, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Rainer Bussmann
- William L. Brown Center, Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Andrea Pieroni
- University of Gastronomic Sciences, Via Amedeo di Savoia 8, I-12060 Pollenzo/Bra, Italy
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Saslis-Lagoudakis CH, Klitgaard BB, Forest F, Francis L, Savolainen V, Williamson EM, Hawkins JA. The use of phylogeny to interpret cross-cultural patterns in plant use and guide medicinal plant discovery: an example from Pterocarpus (Leguminosae). PLoS One 2011; 6:e22275. [PMID: 21789247 PMCID: PMC3138776 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0022275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2011] [Accepted: 06/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study of traditional knowledge of medicinal plants has led to discoveries that have helped combat diseases and improve healthcare. However, the development of quantitative measures that can assist our quest for new medicinal plants has not greatly advanced in recent years. Phylogenetic tools have entered many scientific fields in the last two decades to provide explanatory power, but have been overlooked in ethnomedicinal studies. Several studies show that medicinal properties are not randomly distributed in plant phylogenies, suggesting that phylogeny shapes ethnobotanical use. Nevertheless, empirical studies that explicitly combine ethnobotanical and phylogenetic information are scarce. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In this study, we borrowed tools from community ecology phylogenetics to quantify significance of phylogenetic signal in medicinal properties in plants and identify nodes on phylogenies with high bioscreening potential. To do this, we produced an ethnomedicinal review from extensive literature research and a multi-locus phylogenetic hypothesis for the pantropical genus Pterocarpus (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae). We demonstrate that species used to treat a certain conditions, such as malaria, are significantly phylogenetically clumped and we highlight nodes in the phylogeny that are significantly overabundant in species used to treat certain conditions. These cross-cultural patterns in ethnomedicinal usage in Pterocarpus are interpreted in the light of phylogenetic relationships. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE This study provides techniques that enable the application of phylogenies in bioscreening, but also sheds light on the processes that shape cross-cultural ethnomedicinal patterns. This community phylogenetic approach demonstrates that similar ethnobotanical uses can arise in parallel in different areas where related plants are available. With a vast amount of ethnomedicinal and phylogenetic information available, we predict that this field, after further refinement of the techniques, will expand into similar research areas, such as pest management or the search for bioactive plant-based compounds.
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Leonti M. The future is written: impact of scripts on the cognition, selection, knowledge and transmission of medicinal plant use and its implications for ethnobotany and ethnopharmacology. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2011; 134:542-55. [PMID: 21255636 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2010] [Revised: 01/09/2011] [Accepted: 01/09/2011] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY Apart from empirically learned medicinal and pharmacological properties, the selection of medicinal plants is dependent on cognitive features, ecological factors and cultural history. In literate societies the transmission of medicinal plant knowledge through texts and, more recently, other media containing local as well as non-local knowledge has a more immediate and a more prolonged effect than oral transmission. Therefore, I try to visualize how field based studies in ethnobiology and especially medical ethnobotany and ethnopharmacology run the risk of repeating information and knowledge and illustrate the importance of differentiating and acknowledging the origin, transmission and rationale of plant use made by humans. MATERIALS AND METHODS Reviewing literature dealing with the traditional parameters (e.g. hot/cold dichotomy, organoleptic properties, doctrine of signatures) influencing the selection and transmission of plant use in a juxtaposition to our recent finding of causal influence of text on local plant use. Discussing the passing down of knowledge by text as a special case of oblique/one-to-many knowledge transmission. RESULTS Historical texts on materia medica, popular books on plant use, clinical studies, and informants of ethnobotanical field studies generate a circle of information and knowledge, which progressively conditions the results of ethnobotanical field studies. While text reporting on phytotherapeutical trends may cause innovation through the introduction of "new" applications to local customs, persistently repeating well established folk remedies leads to the consolidation of such uses adding a conservative dimension to a local pharmacopoeia, which might not actually be there to that extent. CONCLUSIONS Such a "shaping" of what might appear to be the results of a field investigation is clearly outside the ordinary principles of scientific enquiry. The traditional pillars of ethnobotanical field studies - that is, "input to drug discovery" and "conservation of cultural heritage" - are also incompatible with this process. Ethnobotancial field studies aimed at a contribution to natural products research and/or the conservation of cultural heritage, as well as those aimed at an assessment and validation of local pharmacopoeias should differentiate between local plant use and widespread as well as modern knowledge reported in popular textbooks and scientific literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Leonti
- Dipartimento Farmaco Chimico Tecnologico, Università di Cagliari, Facoltà di Farmacia, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari (CA), Italy. ,
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Kingston DGI. Modern natural products drug discovery and its relevance to biodiversity conservation. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2011; 74:496-511. [PMID: 21138324 PMCID: PMC3061248 DOI: 10.1021/np100550t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 297] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Natural products continue to provide a diverse and unique source of bioactive lead compounds for drug discovery, but maintaining their continued eminence as source compounds is challenging in the face of the changing face of the pharmaceutical industry and the changing nature of biodiversity prospecting brought about by the Convention on Biological Diversity. This review provides an overview of some of these challenges and suggests ways in which they can be addressed so that natural products research can remain a viable and productive route to drug discovery. Results from International Cooperative Biodiversity Groups (ICBGs) working in Madagascar, Panama, and Suriname are used as examples of what can be achieved when biodiversity conservation is linked to drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- David G I Kingston
- Department of Chemistry, M/C 0212, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States.
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Iriti M, Vitalini S, Fico G, Faoro F. Neuroprotective herbs and foods from different traditional medicines and diets. Molecules 2010; 15:3517-55. [PMID: 20657497 PMCID: PMC6263339 DOI: 10.3390/molecules15053517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2010] [Revised: 03/31/2010] [Accepted: 05/06/2010] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant secondary metabolites include an array of bioactive constituents form both medicinal and food plants able to improve human health. The exposure to these phytochemicals, including phenylpropanoids, isoprenoids and alkaloids, through correct dietary habits, may promote health benefits, protecting against the chronic degenerative disorders mainly seen in Western industrialized countries, such as cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we briefly deal with some plant foods and herbs of traditional medicines and diets, focusing on their neuroprotective active components. Because oxidative stress and neuroinflammation resulting from neuroglial activation, at the level of neurons, microglial cells and astrocytes, are key factors in the etiopathogenesis of both neurodegenerative and neurological diseases, emphasis will be placed on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity exerted by specific molecules present in food plants or in remedies prescribed by herbal medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Iriti
- Dipartimento di Produzione Vegetale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
- Dipartimento Agroalimentare, CNR-IVV, Milano, Italy; E-Mail (F.F.)
| | - Sara Vitalini
- Dipartimento di Produzione Vegetale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
- Orto Botanico ‘GE Ghirardi’, Università degli Studi di Milano, Toscolano Maderno, Brescia, Italy; E-Mail: (S.V.)
| | - Gelsomina Fico
- Orto Botanico ‘GE Ghirardi’, Università degli Studi di Milano, Toscolano Maderno, Brescia, Italy; E-Mail: (S.V.)
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy; E-Mail: (G.F.)
| | - Franco Faoro
- Dipartimento di Produzione Vegetale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
- Dipartimento Agroalimentare, CNR-IVV, Milano, Italy; E-Mail (F.F.)
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