Inhibition of NTPDase, 5'-nucleotidase, Na+/K+-ATPase and acetylcholinesterase activities by subchronic treatment with Casearia sylvestris

Lonomia obliqua Venom Induces NF-κB Activation and a Pro-Inflammatory Profile in THP-1-Derived Macrophage

Envenomation caused by contact with Lonomia obliqua bristles is characterized by pain, an intense systemic proinflammatory reaction and disturbances in the coagulation cascade that can cause severe clinical manifestations and death. However, the role of immune system components in these effects is still poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated the cytotoxic effect of L. obliqua venom on THP-1-derived macrophages and its ability to modulate inflammatory markers, as well as the cytokine and chemokine release profile. Our results show that L. obliqua venom is able to directly exert a potent pro-inflammatory reaction in macrophages, characterized by the activation of the NF-κB transcription factor pathway, the expression of CD80 and CD83, and the release of pro-inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and CXCL10. These results suggest that macrophages can play an important role during the orchestration of the inflammatory response present in envenomation caused by Lonomia obliqua caterpillars.

Macroscopic, biochemical and hystological evaluation of topical anti-inflammatory activity of Casearia sylvestris (Flacourtiaceae) in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Inflammatory skin diseases presents high prevalence and lack of alternatives that can be used for self-care by the population. Casearia sylvestris is a plant used topically in different communities in Brazil, to treat wounds or promote cutaneous healing. To evaluate the topical anti-inflammatory activity for the crude hydroalcoholic extract of Casearia sylvestris (HCE-CS) in the models of single or multiple administration of chroton oil to induce ear edema in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experimental study using male Swiss mice (25-35g) kept under constant conditions in the Laboratory of Experimental Neuroscience (LaNEx)-UNISUL. Edema was induced in both models, respectively, by the single or multiple application of croton oil (CO, 2.5%, in 20 μl) on the external surface of the ear. The different groups of animals (n = 8) received different treatments: vehicle, dexamethasone (DEXA) or different doses of HCE-CS. Edema was evaluated macroscopically for 6 h (early edema) or 8 days (late edema) after the first application of the CO and immediately after the animals were submitted to euthanasia for the collection of the samples (treated ears). For early edema, the tissue was biochemically evaluated for myeloperoxidase activity (MPO) and levels of nitrite/nitrate. In the late edema model, the ears were histologically evaluated for general morphometry, degranulated and non-degranulated mast cells, as well as acanthosis.

RESULTS

Topic treatment with HCE-CS significantly reduced the early and late edema, as well as MPO activity and tissue levels of nitrite/nitrate. Finally, in the late edema model there was a lower density of degranulated mast cells in relation to the vehicle treated group and decreased thickness of the epidermis (acanthosis).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest a possible benefit of topical treatment with HCE-CS in inflammatory conditions of the skin.

Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Activities of Family Flacourtiaceae: A Class of Important Phytomedicine

Flacourtiaceae plants are widely used as folk medicines in traditional medicine systems for its chemical diversity and pharmacological activities. In many different areas, Flacourtiaceae plants are used as traditional medicines for the treatment of ulcers, malaria, rheumatism. The Flacourtiaceae plants contain a very plentiful chemical composition, and phytochemical studies show that the Flacourtiaceae plants contained terpenoids, aromatic glycosides, flavnoids, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids, fatty hydrocarbon, and other compounds. In pharmacological studies, various extract and isolated individual compounds exhibited antitumor, anti-oxidation, and anti-inflammatory activities. In this review, the literature data on the chemical constituents and pharmacological investigations of the Flacourtiaceae plants are summarized, to provide information about a more comprehensive chemical composition and detailed pharmacological activities of Flacourtiaceae plants, with a view of further development of clinical medication. However, research on quantitative analysis, toxicity, and drug safety in vitro and in vivo is still insufficient, and further research is required.

Effect of caffeine, caffeic acid and their various combinations on enzymes of cholinergic, monoaminergic and purinergic systems critical to neurodegeneration in rat brain-In vitro

Caffeine and caffeic acid are two bioactive compounds that are present in plant foods and are major constituent of coffee, cocoa, tea, cola drinks and chocolate. Although not structurally related, caffeine and caffeic acid has been reported to elicit neuroprotective properties. However, their different proportional distribution in food sources and possible effect of such interactions are not often taken into consideration. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effect of caffeine, caffeic acid and their various combinations on activities of some enzymes [acetylcholinesterase (AChE), monoamine oxidase (MAO) ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (E-NTPase), ecto-5¹-nucleotidase (E-NTDase) and Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase relevant to neurodegeneration in vitro in rat brain. The stock concentration of caffeine and caffiec acid and their various proportional combinations were prepared and their interactions with the activities of these enzymes were assessed (in vitro) in different brain structures. The Fe²⁺ and Cu²⁺ chelating abilities of the samples were also investigated. The results revealed that caffeine, caffeic acid and their various combinations exhibited inhibitory effect on activities of AChE, MAO, E-NTPase and E-NTDase, but stimulatory effect on Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase activity. The combinations also exhibited Fe²⁺ and Cu²⁺ chelating abilities. Considering the various combinations, a higher caffeine to caffeic acid ratio produced significantly highest enzyme modulatory effects; these were significantly lower to the effect of caffeine alone but significantly higher than the effect of caffeic acid alone. These findings may provide new insight into the effect of proportional combination of these bioactive compounds as obtained in many foods especially with respect to their neuroprotective effects.

Behavioral effects induced by antitumor cleronade diterpenes from Casearia sylvestris and in silico interactions with neuron receptors

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Casearia sylvestris is a medicinal plant traditionally used to treat snakebites, wounds, inflammation and gastric ulcers and scientific supports for have demonstrated its antitumor, antihyperlipidemic and antiparasitic properties.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To assess the effects of a fraction with casearins (FC) on adult mice using classical experimental models of animal behavior and theoretical calculations to verify the interaction of Casearin X (Cas X) with neuron receptors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Animals divided in 6 groups (n=9/group) were intraperitoneally treated with vehicle (DMSO 4%), FC (2.5, 5, 10 and 25mg/kg/day) and diazepam (2mg/kg) for 7 days. Thirty minutes after the last dose of treatment, acute toxicity and behavioral experiments were performed.

RESULTS

The highest dose of FC (25mg/kg/day) caused diarrhea, weight loss and death of one animal. Elevated plus maze test showed that lower doses [2.5mg/kg/day (36.4±5.1s) and 5mg/kg/day (43.9±6.2s)] increased the time spent in open arms (TSOA). Open field test revealed reduction in the number of crossings (54.9%, 51.1%, 48% and 67.7% for 2.5, 5, 10 and 25mg/kg/day, respectively) in all doses of FC studied and decrease of rearings at 25mg/kg/day (p<0.05). Computational calculations showed that the inhibition constant (Ki) for the Cas X-D₁ complex is up to 1000-fold more favourable than the Cas X-GABA_A complex. All ∆G° values obtained for Cas X-D₁ complexes were more negative than those seen with Cas X-GABA_A complexes.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings indicate a probable anxiolytic action of the FC since it reduces the number of crossings and rearings and prolonged the time spent in open arms, without sedative and myorelaxant effects, probably due to the interaction of Cas X with dopaminergic system.

Alkaloid extracts from Jimson weed (Datura stramonium L.) modulate purinergic enzymes in rat brain

Although some findings have reported the medicinal properties of Jimson weed (Datura stramonium L.), there exist some serious neurological effects such as hallucination, loss of memory and anxiety, which has been reported in folklore. Consequently, the modulatory effect of alkaloid extracts from leaf and fruit of Jimson weed on critical enzymes of the purinergic [ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (E-NTPDase), ecto-5'-nucleotidase (E-NTDase), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase] system of neurotransmission was the focus of this study. Alkaloid extracts were prepared by solvent extraction method and their interaction with the activities of these enzymes were assessed (in vitro) in rat brain tissue homogenate and in vivo in rats administered 100 and 200mg/kg body weight (p.o) of the extracts for thirty days, while administration of single dose (1mg/kg body weight; i.p.) of scopolamine served as the positive control. The extracts were also investigated for their Fe²⁺ and Cu²⁺ chelating abilities and GC-MS characterization of the extracts was also carried out. The results revealed that the extracts inhibited activates of E-NTPDase, E-NTDase and ALP in a concentration dependent manner, while stimulating the activity of Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase (in vitro). Both extracts also exhibited Fe²⁺ and Cu²⁺ chelating abilities. Considering the EC₅₀ values, the fruit extract had significantly higher (P<0.05) modulatory effect on the enzymes' activity as well as metal chelating abilities, compared to the leaf extract; however, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in both extracts' inhibitory effects on E-NTDase. The in vivo study revealed reduction in the activities of ENTPDase, E-NTDase, and Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase in the extract-administered rat groups compared to the control group, while an elevation in ALP activity was observed in the extract-administered rat groups compared to the control group. GC-MS characterization revealed the presence of atropine, scopolamine, amphetamine, 3-methyoxyamphetamine, 3-ethoxyamhetamine cathine, spermine, phenlyephirine and 3-piperidinemethanol, among others in the extracts. Hence, alterations of activities of critical enzymes of purinergic signaling (in vitro and in vivo) by alkaloid extracts from leaf and fruit of Jimson weed suggest one of the mechanisms behind its neurological effects as reported in folklore.

Modulatory Effects of Ferulic Acid on Cadmium-Induced Brain Damage

Studies have shown the pharmacological relevance of phenolics like ferulic acid (FA) in promoting health. This study sought to investigate the modulatory effects of FA on cadmium-induced brain damage in rats. Brain damage was induced in Wistar strain rats by oral administration of cadmium (5 mg/kg body weight) for 21 days. Assays for malondialdehyde (MDA) content, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), monoamine oxidase (MAO), and Na+/K+-ATPase activities were carried out. The study revealed significant ( P < .05) increases in the MDA content and all enzymes’ (AChE, BChE, MAO, and Na+/K+-ATPase) activity investigated following cadmium administration. However, rats administered FA (10 and 20 mg/kg body weight) alongside cadmium significantly ( P < .05) protected the brain by reversing the level of lipid peroxidation as measured by the MDA content as well as the enzymes’ activity. This study, therefore, substantiates the neuroprotective potentials of FA especially in the management of cadmium-induced toxicity.

Plants used during maternity, menstrual cycle and other women's health conditions among Brazilian cultures

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

For innumerous clinical cases related to women's health and precarious medical care in developing countries, a large repertoire of plants have been used as popular medicines in order to fill this gap, which in a certain way creates health risks to users, since pharmacological and toxicological tests are still insufficient to guarantee their efficacy and safety. Besides therapeutic use, abortive plants are broadly used in countries where abortion is prohibited, increasing that risk even more. In this way, ethnopharmacological studies that register plants used for women's health can contribute not only to the selection of potential bioactives, enriching the repertoire of drugs available to females, above all in public health systems, but also questioning the safety of products that are used without prescription.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

This review aims at determining plants applied by Brazilian cultures in the treatment of conditions related to maternity, menstrual cycle and other women's health particularities, and to supplement the lack of epidemiological data available to assess the health of indigenous, rural and other populations of Brazilian women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature review was conducted of the collection at the Ethnobotanical and Ethnopharmacological Center of the Federal University of São Paulo (period covered: 1965 to 2012). All of the 343 articles were consulted and 31 articles mentioning therapeutic uses of interest were selected. Relevant information was extracted to compose Table 1 - Maternity, Table 2 - Menstrual Cycle and Table 3 - Other Conditions. Data was statistically analyzed in order to generate the discussion about plants used in healing contexts by different Brazilian ethnicities. A bibliographic review was performed using the Scopus database to collect the following information about the most cited plants: ethnobotany/ethnopharmacology of non-Brazilian cultures for women's health conditions, pharmacology, toxicology, and adverse reactions.

RESULTS

A total of 319 species were cited for 22 indications related to women's health. Ninety-seven species were indicated for conditions related to maternity, 94 to the menstrual cycle and 232 to others. The same species could be present in more than one of these three categories. The most cited family was Fabaceae (13.5%), and the species were Ruta graveolens L. (1.76%) and Strychnos pseudoquina A. St.-Hil (1.76%). The most frequent part utilized, mode of preparation and route of administration were leaves (2.0%), tea (73.38%) and oral (87. 2%), respectively. The indications that showed the highest number of species were: to treat venereal diseases (69 species), abortive (54) and anti-inflammatory for the ovaries and/or uterus (54). According to our bibliographic survey, among the 19 most indicated species in this review, only four are also used by non-Brazilian cultures for conditions related to women's health; 25% of them were pharmacologically investigated and it was possible to validate their ethnopharmacological/ethnobotanical use, 10.5% have presented well-described adverse reactions and for 42.1% of these species toxicological studies were performed.

CONCLUSION

The survey raised important data about plants implemented in healing related to women's health conditions by Brazilian cultures and their practices. The compilation presented in this study enables the realization of further investigation regarding the development of herbal medicines and contributes to the incrementation of policies focused on these cultures. Further phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological studies should be conducted, which will allow the discovery of pharmacological properties, bioactive constituents, and moreover, adequate posology, manner of use and adverse events.

Counteracting effects on free radicals and histological alterations induced by a fraction with casearins

ABSTRACTCasearia sylvestris Swartz is a medicinal plant widely distributed in Brazil. It has anti-inflammatory, antiulcer and antitumor activities and is popularly used to treat snakebites, wounds, diarrhea, flu and chest colds. Its leaves are rich in oxygenated tricyclic cis-clerodane diterpenes, particulary casearins. Herein, we evaluated the antioxidant activities of a fraction with casearins (FC) isolated from C. sylvestrisand histological changes on the central nervous system and livers of Mus musculus mice. Firstly, in vitro studies (0.9, 1.8, 3.6, 5.4 and 7.2 μg/mL) revealed EC50 values of 3.7, 6.4 and 0.16 µg/mL for nitrite, hydroxyl radical and TBARS levels, respectively. Secondly, FC (2.5, 5, 10 and 25 mg/kg/day) was intraperitoneally administered to Swiss mice for 7 consecutive days. Nitrite levels in the hippocampus (26.2, 27.3, 30.2 and 26.6 µM) and striatum (26.3, 25.4, 34.3 and 27.5 µM) increased in all treated animals (P < 0.05). Lower doses dropped reduced glutathione, catalase and TBARS levels in the hippocampus and striatum. With the exception of this reduction in TBARS formation, FC displayed only in vitro antioxidant activity. Animals exhibited histological alterations suggestive of neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity, indicating the need for precaution regarding the consumption of medicinal formulations based on Casearia sylvestris.

Caffeic acid treatment alters the extracellular adenine nucleotide hydrolysis in platelets and lymphocytes of adult rats

This study evaluated the effects of caffeic acid on ectonucleotidase activities such as NTPDase (nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase), Ecto-NPP (nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase), 5'-nucleotidase and adenosine deaminase (ADA) in platelets and lymphocytes of rats, as well as in the profile of platelet aggregation. Animals were divided into five groups: I (control); II (oil); III (caffeic acid 10 mg/kg); IV (caffeic acid 50 mg/kg); and V (caffeic acid 100 mg/kg). Animals were treated with caffeic acid diluted in oil for 30 days. In platelets, caffeic acid decreased the ATP hydrolysis and increased ADP hydrolysis in groups III, IV and V when compared to control (P<0.05). The 5'-nucleotidase activity was decreased, while E-NPP and ADA activities were increased in platelets of rats of groups III, IV and V (P<0.05). Caffeic acid reduced significantly the platelet aggregation in the animals of groups III, IV and V in relation to group I (P<0.05). In lymphocytes, the NTPDase and ADA activities were increased in all groups treated with caffeic acid when compared to control (P<0.05). These findings demonstrated that the enzymes were altered in tissues by caffeic acid and this compound decreased the platelet aggregation suggesting that caffeic acid should be considered a potentially therapeutic agent in disorders related to the purinergic system.

Folk uses and pharmacological properties of Casearia sylvestris: a medicinal review

Folk uses and scientific investigations have highlighted the importance of Casearia sylvestris extracts and their relevant bioactive potential. The aim of this work was to review the pharmacological properties of C. sylvestris, emphasizing its anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, anti-ophidian and antitumor potentialities. Ethanolic extracts and essential oil of their leaves have antiulcerogenic activity and reduce gastric volume without altering the stomach pH, which corroborates their consumption on gastrointestinal disorders. Leaf water extracts show phospholipase A2 inhibitory activity that prevents damage effects on the muscular tissue after toxin inoculation. This antiphospholipasic action is probably related to the use as an anti-inflammatory, proposing a pharmacological blockage similar to that obtained with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on arachidonic acid and cyclooxygenase pathways. Bioguided-assay fractionations lead to the identification of secondary metabolites, especially the clerodane diterpenes casearins (A-X) and casearvestrins (A-C), compounds with a remarkable cytotoxic and antitumor action. Therefore, the C. sylvestris shrub holds a known worldwide pharmacological arsenal by its extensive folk utilization, exciting searches for new molecules and a better comprehension about biological properties.

Evaluation of antinociceptive activity of Casearia sylvestris and possible mechanism of action

The antinociceptive properties of Casearia sylvestris Sw. (Flacourtiaceae) were investigated in various models of pain-related behavior in mice. The hydroalcoholic crude extract of the plant (30-300mg/kg, per os) clearly inhibited nocifensive responses induced by ovalbumin (hindpaw licking) or acetic acid (writhes) in graded fashion. At 300mg/kg, the extract reduced nocifensive behaviors (from 71.1+/-13.3 to 14.8+/-9.3s; from 31.3+/-4.5 to 3.3+/-1.2 writhes, respectively) to similar extents as indomethacin (5mg/kg; 5.7+/-1.1s and 3.3+/-1.2 writhes, respectively). Significant antinociceptive effects in the hot plate test were only detected following administration of the highest extract dose, but this analgesic action appeared to be specific as the extract failed to change motor and exploratory activities. The antinociceptive effect of Casearia sylvestris extract in the acetic acid test was prevented by prior treatment with the non-selective opioid receptor antagonist naloxone (1mg/kg; 5.8+/-4.2 and 31.5+/-3.1 writhes in vehicle-treated and naloxone-treated groups, respectively), indicating that the endogenous opioid system is involved in its analgesic mechanism of action. Thus, our investigation suggests a potential therapeutic benefit of Casearia sylvestris Sw. in treating conditions associated with inflammatory pain.