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Kurita S, Sasaki M, Tanaka M, Kuwabara Y, Ogasawara Y, Baba H, Kamiya Y. Analgesic effects of oral Yokukansan on acute postoperative pain and involvement of the serotonin nervous system: a mouse model study. BMC Complement Med Ther 2024; 24:198. [PMID: 38773460 PMCID: PMC11110364 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-024-04501-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Yokukansan, a traditional Japanese medicine (Kampo), has been widely used to treat neurosis, dementia, and chronic pain. Previous in vitro studies have suggested that Yokukansan acts as a partial agonist of the 5-HT1A receptor, resulting in amelioration of chronic pain through inhibition of nociceptive neuronal activity. However, its effectiveness for treating postoperative pain remains unknown, although its analgesic mechanism of action has been suggested to involve serotonin and glutamatergic neurotransmission. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Yokukansan on postoperative pain in an animal model. METHODS A mouse model of postoperative pain was created by plantar incision, and Yokukansan was administered orally the day after paw incision. Pain thresholds for mechanical and heat stimuli were examined in a behavioral experiment. In addition, to clarify the involvement of the serotonergic nervous system, we examined the analgesic effects of Yokukansan in mice that were serotonin-depleted by para-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) treatment and intrathecal administration of NAN-190, 5-HT1A receptor antagonist. RESULTS Orally administered Yokukansan increased the pain threshold dose-dependent in postoperative pain model mice. Pretreatment of para-chlorophenylalanine dramatically suppressed serotonin immunoreactivity in the spinal dorsal horn without changing the pain threshold after the paw incision. The analgesic effect of Yokukansan tended to be attenuated by para-chlorophenylalanine pretreatment and significantly attenuated by intrathecal administration of 2.5 µg of NAN-190 compared to that in postoperative pain model mice without para-chlorophenylalanine treatment and NAN-190 administration. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that oral administration of Yokukansan has acute analgesic effects in postoperative pain model mice. Behavioral experiments using serotonin-depleted mice and mice intrathecally administered with a 5-HT1A receptor antagonist suggested that Yokukansan acts as an agonist at the 5-HT1A receptor, one of the serotonin receptors, to produce analgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuichiro Kurita
- Division of Anesthesiology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo ward, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Mika Sasaki
- Division of Anesthesiology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo ward, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Yanagido 1-1, Gifu, 501-1194, Japan
| | - Moegi Tanaka
- Division of Anesthesiology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo ward, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
- Department of Palliative Care, Niigata City General Hospital, 463-7 Shumoku, Chuo ward, Niigata, 950-1197, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Kuwabara
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Yanagido 1-1, Gifu, 501-1194, Japan
| | - Yukino Ogasawara
- Division of Kampo Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nihon Pharmaceutical University, 10281 Komuro, Ina, 362-0806, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Baba
- Division of Anesthesiology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo ward, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Kamiya
- Division of Anesthesiology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo ward, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan.
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Yanagido 1-1, Gifu, 501-1194, Japan.
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Ma J, Liu W, Wang X, Lu C, Hao Z, Wang Y, Ding Y, Li Y. Cnidium officinale Makino: Phytology, Phytochemistry, Toxicology, Pharmacology and Prescriptions (1967-2023). Chem Biodivers 2024; 21:e202301639. [PMID: 38062000 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202301639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Cnidium officinale Makino (COM), a perennial herbaceous plant in the Apiaceous family, widely distribute in Eastern Asia and Asia-Temperate. It has a long history application as a traditional medicine for invigorating the blood and removing blood stasis, and also has been employed to diet, pesticide, herbal bathing materials, the cosmetic and skin care industry. However, there has been no associated review of literature in the past half a century (1967-2023). By searching the international authoritative databases and collecting 229 literatures closely related to COM, herewith a comprehensive and systematic review was conducted. The phytology includes plant distribution and botanical characteristics. The phytochemistry covers 8 major categories, 208 compounds in total, and the quantitative determination of 14 monomer compounds, total polyphenols and total flavonoids. The clinical trial in pregnant women and toxic experiments in mice, the pharmacology of 7 aspects and 82 frequently used prescriptions are summarized. It is expected that this paper will provide forward-looking scientific thinking and literature support for the further modern research, development and utilization of COM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Ma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Wei Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Xueyu Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Chang Lu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Zezhuang Hao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Ye Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Yuling Ding
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Yong Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
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Hossain R, Sultana A, Nuinoon M, Noonong K, Tangpong J, Hossain KH, Rahman MA. A Critical Review of the Neuropharmacological Effects of Kratom: An Insight from the Functional Array of Identified Natural Compounds. Molecules 2023; 28:7372. [PMID: 37959790 PMCID: PMC10648626 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28217372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth. Havil) has been considered a narcotic drug for years, barred by the law in many parts of the world, while extensive research over the past few decades proves its several beneficial effects, some of which are still in ambiguity. In many countries, including Thailand, the indiscriminate use and abuse of kratom have led to the loss of life. Nonetheless, researchers have isolated almost fifty pure compounds from kratom, most of which are alkaloids. The most prevalent compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine, are reported to display agonist morphine-like effects on human μ-opioid receptors and antagonists at κ- and δ-opioid receptors with multimodal effects at other central receptors. Mitragynine is also credited to be one of the modulatory molecules for the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway and SOD, CAT, GST, and associated genes' upregulatory cascades, leading it to play a pivotal role in neuroprotective actions while evidently causing neuronal disorders at high doses. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antibacterial, and gastroprotective effects are well-cited. In this context, this review focuses on the research gap to resolve ambiguities about the neuronal effects of kratom and demonstrate its prospects as a therapeutic target for neurological disorders associated with other pharmacological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahni Hossain
- School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Graduate Studies, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand; (R.H.); (M.N.); (K.N.)
- Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Product (RECIHP), Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Abida Sultana
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chittagong 4331, Bangladesh;
| | - Manit Nuinoon
- School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Graduate Studies, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand; (R.H.); (M.N.); (K.N.)
- Hematology and Transfusion Science Research Center, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Kunwadee Noonong
- School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Graduate Studies, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand; (R.H.); (M.N.); (K.N.)
- Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Product (RECIHP), Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Jitbanjong Tangpong
- School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Graduate Studies, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand; (R.H.); (M.N.); (K.N.)
- Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Product (RECIHP), Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Kazi Helal Hossain
- Angiogenesis and Brain Development Laboratory, Department of Neurosciences, Huntington Medical Research Institutes (HMRI), Pasadena, CA 91105, USA;
| | - Md Atiar Rahman
- School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Graduate Studies, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand; (R.H.); (M.N.); (K.N.)
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chittagong 4331, Bangladesh;
- Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Product (RECIHP), Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
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Huang CH, Liao WL, Lee DY, Chou IC, Wang MY, Hsieh CL. Effects of Yi-Gan-san on the psychiatric behavior of children and adolescents with Tourette's Syndrome: A randomized, double-blind, controlled preliminary study. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 290:115098. [PMID: 35182665 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115098] [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: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Gilles de la Tourette's Syndrome (TS) is a childhood-onset disease with clinical features of motor and phonic tics. Yi-Gan-san (YGS) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula that can reduce aggressiveness and agitation and inhibit dopamine function. This study investigated the effects of YGS on the psychiatric behavior of children and adolescents with TS. METHODS A double-blind, randomized, controlled preliminary study was conducted. A total of 38 patients with TS were assigned to the control group (CG, 19 patients) who received the oral administration of YGS placebo (90% starch and 10% YGS; 2.5 g thrice daily) or to a treatment group (TG, 19 patients) who received YGS for 4 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the change in Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) overall and subscale scores. RESULTS The intensity score for phonic tics before oral administration of YGS, and after 2 weeks, 3 weeks and 4 weeks was not significantly different between CG and TG groups (2.94 ± 1.14 vs 2.79 ± 1.08, p = .686; 2.29 ± 1.21 vs 1.95 ± 1.08, p = .370; 2.41 ± 1.18 vs 2.05 ± 1.51, p = .435; and 2.29 ± 1.26 vs 1.84 ± 1.42, p = .323, respectively), while the intensity score for phonic tics after 1-week oral administration of YGS in the TG was 1.89 ± 1.10 lower than 3.06 ± 1.39 in the CG (p = .008). CONCLUSION Oral administration of YGS for 1 week only reduced the intensity of phonic tics compared with oral administration of YGS placebo, suggesting that YGS can reduce their intensity for a short period, and the compliance of oral administration of YGS for 4 weeks can be accepted in children and adolescents with Tourette's Syndrome. However, because this study was preliminary, the selection of an appropriate placebo and dosage and long-term observations are crucial areas for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Hao Huang
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung City, 40402, Taiwan; Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung City, 40447, Taiwan.
| | - Wen-Ling Liao
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung City, 40402, Taiwan; Center for Personalized Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung City, 40447, Taiwan.
| | - Der-Yen Lee
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung City, 40402, Taiwan.
| | - I-Ching Chou
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung City, 40402, Taiwan; Division of Pediatric Neurology, China Medical University Children's Hospital, Taichung City, 40447, Taiwan.
| | - Ming-Yu Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, China Medical University Hsinchu Hospital, Hsinchu County, 302, Taiwan.
| | - Ching-Liang Hsieh
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung City, 40447, Taiwan; Chinese Medicine Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung City, 40402, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung City, 40402, Taiwan.
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Miyagishi H, Tsuji M, Miyagawa K, Kurokawa K, Mochida-Saito A, Takahashi K, Kosuge Y, Ishige K, Takeda H. Possible role of transcriptional regulation of 5-HT 1A receptor in the midbrain on unadaptation to stress in mice. Brain Res 2022; 1783:147859. [PMID: 35245487 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.147859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The ability to adapt to stress is an essential defensive function of a living body, and disturbance of this ability in the brain may contribute to the development of affective illness. Previously, we reported that mice exposed to unadaptable restraint stress show emotional abnormality. Moreover, this emotional abnormality was alleviated by chronic treatment with flesinoxan, a serotonin (5-HT)1A receptor agonist. 5-HT1A receptor expression is regulated by several transcription factors such as nuclear deformed epidermal autoregulatory factor (NUDR/Deaf-1) and five prime repressors under dual repression binding protein 1 (Freud-1). The present study was designed to investigate the expression levels of 5-HT1A receptor and its transcription factors in the midbrain and hippocampus of stress-adaptive and -unadaptive mice. Mice were exposed to 14 days of repeated adaptable (1 h/day) or repeated unadaptable (4 h/day) restraint stress, or were left in their home cage (non-stressed groups). In a western blot analysis, a significant increase in the expression levels of 5HT1A receptor protein were observed in the hippocampal membrane fraction in stress-adaptive mice. In contrast, the expression levels of 5-HT1A receptor protein in stress-unadaptive mice were significantly increased in both cytoplasmic and membrane fraction of the midbrain. Furthermore, real-time PCR analysis revealed that, in the midbrain of stress-unadaptive mice, the expression levels of 5-HT1A receptor mRNA and Freud-1 or NUDR mRNA were significantly increased and decreased, respectively. These results suggest that increased expression of 5-HT1A receptor due to decrease in the expression of Freud-1 and NUDR in the midbrain may play a pivotal role in the emotional abnormality of stress-unadaptive mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Miyagishi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi 324-8501, Japan; Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nihon University, 7-7-1 Narashinodai, Funabashi, Chiba 274-8555, Japan
| | - Minoru Tsuji
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi 324-8501, Japan.
| | - Kazuya Miyagawa
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi 324-8501, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kurokawa
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi 324-8501, Japan
| | - Atsumi Mochida-Saito
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi 324-8501, Japan
| | - Kohei Takahashi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi 324-8501, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kosuge
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nihon University, 7-7-1 Narashinodai, Funabashi, Chiba 274-8555, Japan
| | - Kumiko Ishige
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nihon University, 7-7-1 Narashinodai, Funabashi, Chiba 274-8555, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Takeda
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi 324-8501, Japan
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Kimijima H, Miyagawa K, Kurokawa K, Mochida-Saito A, Takahashi K, Takeda H, Tsuji M. Trichostatin A, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, alleviates the emotional abnormality induced by maladaptation to stress in mice. Neurosci Lett 2022; 766:136340. [PMID: 34774702 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136340] [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: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Recent reports have implied that aberrant biochemical processes in the brain are frequently accompanied by subtle shifts in the cellular epigenetic profile that might underlie the pathogenic progression of psychiatric disorders. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of trichostatin A (TSA), a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, on the emotional abnormality induced by maladaptation to stress in mice. Mice were exposed to repeated restraint stress for 240 min/day for 14 days. We applied dosing schedules. In one schedule, from the 3rd day of stress exposure, mice were treated with TSA (1650 μM/4 μL, i.c.v.) immediately after the daily exposure to restraint stress. In the other schedule, from the 1st day of stress exposure, mice were treated with TSA 2 h before exposure to restraint stress. After the final exposure to restraint stress, the emotionality of mice was evaluated using the hole-board test. Mice that were exposed to restraint stress for 240 min/day for 14 days showed a decrease in head-dipping behavior. This decreased emotionality observed in stress-maladaptive mice was significantly recovered by chronic treatment with TSA 2 h before daily exposure to restraint stress, which confirmed the development of stress adaptation. On the other hand, no such stress adaptation was observed under chronic treatment with TSA immediately after daily stress exposure. A biochemical study showed that tryptophan hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in serotonin (5-HT) synthesis, was increased in midbrain containing raphe nuclei obtained from stress-adapted mice that were chronically treated with TSA 2 h before daily stress exposure. These findings suggest that an HDAC inhibitor may have a beneficial effect on stress adaptation by affecting 5-HT neural function in the brain and alleviate the emotional abnormality under conditions of excessive stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidenao Kimijima
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi 324-8501, Japan
| | - Kazuya Miyagawa
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi 324-8501, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kurokawa
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi 324-8501, Japan
| | - Atsumi Mochida-Saito
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi 324-8501, Japan
| | - Kohei Takahashi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi 324-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Takeda
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy at Fukuoka, International University of Health and Welfare, 137-1 Enokizu, Okawa, Fukuoka 831-8501, Japan
| | - Minoru Tsuji
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi 324-8501, Japan.
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Activation of 5-HT 1A receptor reduces abnormal emotionality in stress-maladaptive mice by alleviating decreased myelin protein in the ventral hippocampus. Neurochem Int 2021; 151:105213. [PMID: 34673172 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2021.105213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported that abnormal emotionality in stress-maladaptive mice was ameliorated by chronic treatment with flesinoxan, a 5-HT1A receptor agonist. Furthermore, the maintenance of hippocampal myelination appeared to contribute to the development of stress adaptation in mice. However, the effects of 5-HT1A receptor activation on myelination under the stress-maladaptive situations and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. In the present study, we examined using flesinoxan whether activation of 5-HT1A receptor can reduce an abnormal emotional response by acting on oligodendrocytes to preserve myelin proteins in stress-maladaptive mice. Mice were exposed to repeated restraint stress for 4 h/day for 14 days as a stress-maladaptive model. Flesinoxan was given intraperitoneally immediately after the daily exposure to restraint stress. After the final exposure to restraint stress, the emotionality of mice was evaluated by the hole-board test. The expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), phosphorylated-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK), phosphorylated-cAMP response element-binding protein (p-CREB), myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), myelin basic protein (MBP) and oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2 (olig2) in the hippocampus was assessed by western blotting. Hippocampal oligodendrogenesis were examined by immunohistochemistry. Chronic treatment with flesinoxan suppressed the decrease in head-dipping behaviors in stress-maladaptive mice in the hole-board test. Under this condition, the decreases in MAG and MBP in the hippocampus recovered with increase in BDNF, p-ERK, p-CREB, and olig2. Furthermore, hippocampal oligodendrogenesis in stress-maladaptive mice was promoted by chronic treatment with flesinoxan. These findings suggest that 5-HT1A receptor activation may promote oligodendrogenesis and myelination via an ERK/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway in the hippocampus and reduces abnormal emotionality due to maladaptation to excessive stress.
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Kushida H, Matsumoto T, Ikarashi Y. Properties, Pharmacology, and Pharmacokinetics of Active Indole and Oxindole Alkaloids in Uncaria Hook. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:688670. [PMID: 34335255 PMCID: PMC8317223 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.688670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Uncaria Hook (UH) is a dry stem with hook of Ucaria plant and is contained in Traditional Japanese and Chinese medicine such as yokukansan, yokukansankachimpihange, chotosan, Gouteng-Baitouweng, and Tianma-Gouteng Yin. UH contains active indole and oxindole alkaloids and has the therapeutic effects on ailments of the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. The recent advances of analytical technology led to reports of detailed pharmacokinetics of UH alkaloids. These observations of pharmacokinetics are extremely important for understanding the treatment’s pharmacological activity, efficacy, and safety. This review describes properties, pharmacology, and the recently accumulated pharmacokinetic findings of UH alkaloids, and discusses challenges and future prospects. UH contains major indole and oxindole alkaloids such as corynoxeine, isocorynoxeine, rhynchophylline, isorhynchophylline, hirsuteine, hirsutine, and geissoschizine methyl ether (GM). These alkaloids exert neuroprotective effects against Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and depression, and the mechanisms of these effects include anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuromodulatory activities. Among the UH alkaloids, GM exhibits comparatively potent pharmacological activity (e.g., agonist activity at 5-HT1A receptors). UH alkaloids are absorbed into the blood circulation and rapidly eliminated when orally administered. UH alkaloids are predominantly metabolized by Cytochrome P450 (CYP) and converted into various metabolites, including oxidized and demethylated forms. Regarding GM metabolism by CYPs, a gender-dependent difference is observed in rats but not in humans. Several alkaloids are detected in the brain after passing through the blood–brain barrier in rats upon orally administered. GM is uniformly distributed in the brain and binds to various channels and receptors such as the 5-HT receptor. By reviewing the pharmacokinetics of UH alkaloids, challenges were found, such as differences in pharmacokinetics between pure drug and crude drug products administration, food-influenced absorption, metabolite excretion profile, and intestinal tissue metabolism of UH alkaloids. This review will provide readers with a better understanding of the pharmacokinetics of UH alkaloids and their future challenges, and will be helpful for further research on UH alkaloids and crude drug products containing UH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirotaka Kushida
- Tsumura Kampo Research Laboratories, Kampo Research & Development Division, Tsumura & Co., Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takashi Matsumoto
- Tsumura Kampo Research Laboratories, Kampo Research & Development Division, Tsumura & Co., Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yasushi Ikarashi
- Tsumura Kampo Research Laboratories, Kampo Research & Development Division, Tsumura & Co., Ibaraki, Japan
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Analgesic Effect of Combined Therapy with the Japanese Herbal Medicine " Yokukansan" and Electroacupuncture in Rats with Acute Inflammatory Pain. MEDICINES 2021; 8:medicines8060031. [PMID: 34204458 PMCID: PMC8234278 DOI: 10.3390/medicines8060031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Background: Japanese herbal medicine, called Kampo medicine, and acupuncture are mainly used in Japanese traditional medicine. In this experiment, the analgesic effect of Yokukansan (YKS) alone and a combination of YKS and electroacupuncture (EA) on inflammatory pain induced by formalin injection were examined. Methods: Animals were divided into four groups: a control group, formalin injection group (formalin), YKS-treated formalin group (YKS), and YKS- and EA-treated formalin group (YKS + EA). The duration of pain-related behaviors and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) activation in the spinal cord after formalin injection in the right hind paw were determined. Results: The duration of pain-related behaviors was dramatically prolonged in the late phase (10–60 min) in the formalin group. The YKS treatment tended to reduce (p = 0.08), whereas YKS + EA significantly suppressed the pain-related behaviors (p < 0.01). Immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses revealed that the number of phosphorylated ERK1/2 (pERK1/2)-positive cells and the pERK expression level, which were increased by formalin injection, were significantly inhibited by YKS (p < 0.05) and YKS + EA (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The YKS + EA combination therapy elicited an analgesic effect on formalin-induced acute inflammatory pain.
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Deguchi R, Fujimoto M, Sekiyama H, Sawamura S. Effect of Yokukansan on sleep disturbance and neuropathic pain in chronic constriction injury using a rat model. Sleep Biol Rhythms 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s41105-021-00315-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
AbstractPatients with chronic pain develop peripheral neuropathy and experience sleep disturbance. Yokukansan is used to treat insomnia and control neuropathic pain. We studied if Yokukansan affects neuropathic pain and sleep disturbance using a rat model of chronic constriction injury (CCI). Male Wistar rats (4-week age) were divided into the following groups (n = 7, per group): CCI rats fed normal chow (CCI-0); CCI rats fed powdered chow mixed with 1% Yokukansan (CCI-1); CCI rats fed powdered chow mixed with 3% Yokukansan (CCI-3); and sham-operated control rats fed normal chow (SHAM). We examined sleep duration and quality using electroencephalograms and assessed pain using the von Frey and Hargreaves tests. Results were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc tests. The CCI-0 group exhibited an increased wake period, decreased non-rapid eye movement (REM) sleep time, and no change in REM sleep time in comparison to the SHAM group. The CCI-1 group exhibited a decreased wake period, increased non-REM sleep time, and no change in REM sleep time compared to the CCI-0 group. The CCI-3 group exhibited increased non-REM sleep time but no changes in wake and REM sleep times compared to the CCI-1 group. The von Frey and Hargreaves test findings revealed an increase in the pain threshold in the CCI-1 group compared to the CCI-0 group. There was no difference in pain threshold between the CCI-1 and CCI-3 groups. In our rat model of CCI, sleep disturbance was reflected. Yokukansan inhibited CCI-induced sleep disturbance.
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Kurokawa K, Tsuji M, Takahashi K, Miyagawa K, Mochida-Saito A, Takeda H. Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Participates in the Formation of Stress Adaptation via Hippocampal Myelination in Mice. Neuroscience 2020; 446:1-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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12
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Characterization of 5-HT1A receptor and transport protein KIF13A expression in the hippocampus of stress-adaptive and -maladaptive mice. Neurosci Lett 2020; 733:135082. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.135082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Ohno R, Miyagishi H, Tsuji M, Saito A, Miyagawa K, Kurokawa K, Takeda H. Yokukansan, a traditional Japanese herbal medicine, enhances the anxiolytic effect of fluvoxamine and reduces cortical 5-HT 2A receptor expression in mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2018; 216:89-96. [PMID: 29382554 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2017] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Yokukansan is a traditional Japanese herbal medicine that has been approved in Japan as a remedy for neurosis, insomnia, and irritability in children. It has also been reported to improve behavioral and psychological symptoms in patients with various forms of dementia. AIM OF THE STUDY To evaluate the usefulness of co-treatment with an antidepressant and an herbal medicine in the psychiatric field, the current study examined the effect of yokukansan on the anxiolytic-like effect of fluvoxamine in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS The anxiolytic-like effect in mice was estimated by the contextual fear conditioning paradigm. Contextual fear conditioning consisted of two sessions, i.e., day 1 for the conditioning session and day 2 for the test session. The expression levels of 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptor in the mouse brain regions were quantified by western blot analysis. RESULTS A single administration of fluvoxamine (5-20 mg/kg, i.p.) before the test session dose-dependently and significantly suppressed freezing behavior in mice. In the combination study, a sub-effective dose of fluvoxamine (5 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly suppressed freezing behavior in mice that had been repeatedly pretreated with yokukansan (0.3 and 1 g/kg, p.o.) once a day for 6 days after the conditioning session. Western blot analysis revealed that the expression level of 5-HT2A receptor was specifically decreased in the prefrontal cortex of mice that had been administered yokukansan and fluvoxamine. Furthermore, microinjection of the 5-HT2A receptor antagonist ketanserin (5 nmol/mouse) into the prefrontal cortex significantly suppressed freezing behavior. CONCLUSION The present findings indicate that repeated treatment with yokukansan synergistically enhances the anxiolytic-like effect of fluvoxamine in the contextual fear conditioning paradigm in mice in conjunction with a decrease in 5-HT2A receptor-mediated signaling in the prefrontal cortex. Therefore, combination therapy with fluvoxamine and yokukansan may be beneficial for the treatment of anxiety disorders.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Anti-Anxiety Agents/pharmacology
- Anxiety/metabolism
- Anxiety/physiopathology
- Anxiety/prevention & control
- Anxiety/psychology
- Behavior, Animal/drug effects
- Conditioning, Psychological/drug effects
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Drug Synergism
- Drug Therapy, Combination
- Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology
- Fear/drug effects
- Fluvoxamine/pharmacology
- Male
- Mice, Inbred ICR
- Motor Activity/drug effects
- Prefrontal Cortex/drug effects
- Prefrontal Cortex/metabolism
- Prefrontal Cortex/physiopathology
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A/drug effects
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A/metabolism
- Serotonin 5-HT2 Receptor Antagonists/pharmacology
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Rintaro Ohno
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi 324-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroko Miyagishi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi 324-8501, Japan
| | - Minoru Tsuji
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi 324-8501, Japan.
| | - Atsumi Saito
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi 324-8501, Japan
| | - Kazuya Miyagawa
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi 324-8501, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kurokawa
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi 324-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Takeda
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi 324-8501, Japan
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Nogami-Hara A, Nagao M, Takasaki K, Egashira N, Fujikawa R, Kubota K, Watanabe T, Katsurabayashi S, Hatip FB, Hatip-Al-Khatib I, Iwasaki K. The Japanese Angelica acutiloba root and yokukansan increase hippocampal acetylcholine level, prevent apoptosis and improve memory in a rat model of repeated cerebral ischemia. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2018; 214:190-196. [PMID: 29269276 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2017] [Revised: 12/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/16/2017] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Japanese Angelica acutiloba root (Angelica root) is included in several Kampo medicines including Yokukansan (YKS). Angelica root and YKS are used for the treatment of a variety of psychological and neurodegenerative disorders. Development of safe and effective therapeutic agents against cerebrovascular disorders will improve the treatment of patients with dementia. AIM OF THE STUDY The effect of Angelica root and YKS on ischemia-impaired memory has not yet been fully investigated. The present study investigated whether Angelica root is also involved in memory improving and neuroprotective effect of YKS in a model of cerebrovascular ischemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male Wistar rats grouped into sham rats received saline, and other three groups subjected to repeated cerebral ischemia induced by 4-vessel occlusion (4-VO), received a 7-day oral administration of either saline, Angelica root or YKS. Memory was evaluated by eight-arm radial maze task. Acetylcholine release (ACh) in the dorsal hippocampus was investigated by microdialysis-HPLC. Apoptosis was determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated fluorescein-deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) nick-end labeling. RESULTS Ischemia induced apoptosis, reduced release of ACh, and impaired the memory (increased error choices and decreased correct choices). Angelica root and YKS improved the memory deficits, upregulated the release of ACh and prevented 4-VO-induced hippocampal apoptosis. CONCLUSION The dual ACh-increasing and neuroprotective effect of Angelica root could make it a promising therapeutic agent useful for the treatment of symptoms of cerebrovascular dementia. Angelica root could be one of the components contributing to the memory-improving and neuroprotective effects of YKS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Nogami-Hara
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Japan
| | - Masaki Nagao
- A.I.G. Collaborative Research Institute for Aging and Brain Sciences, Japan
| | - Kotaro Takasaki
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Egashira
- Department of Pharmacy, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Risako Fujikawa
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Japan
| | - Kaori Kubota
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Japan; A.I.G. Collaborative Research Institute for Aging and Brain Sciences, Japan
| | - Takuya Watanabe
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Japan; A.I.G. Collaborative Research Institute for Aging and Brain Sciences, Japan
| | | | - Funda Bolukbasi Hatip
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pamukkale University, Denizli 22070, Turkey
| | - Izzettin Hatip-Al-Khatib
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pamukkale University, Denizli 22070, Turkey.
| | - Katsunori Iwasaki
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Japan; A.I.G. Collaborative Research Institute for Aging and Brain Sciences, Japan
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Hussain G, Rasul A, Anwar H, Aziz N, Razzaq A, Wei W, Ali M, Li J, Li X. Role of Plant Derived Alkaloids and Their Mechanism in Neurodegenerative Disorders. Int J Biol Sci 2018; 14:341-357. [PMID: 29559851 PMCID: PMC5859479 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.23247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are conventionally demarcated as disorders with selective loss of neurons. Conventional as well as newer molecules have been tested but they offer just symptomatic advantages along with abundant side effects. The discovery of more compelling molecules that can halt the pathology of these diseases will be considered as a miracle of present time. Several synthetic compounds are available but they may cause several other health issues. Therefore, natural molecules from the plants and other sources are being discovered to replace available medicines. In conventional medicational therapies, several plants have been reported to bestow remedial effects. Phytochemicals from medicinal plants can provide a better and safer alternative to synthetic molecules. Many phytochemicals have been identified that cure the human body from a number of diseases. The present article reviews the potential efficacy of plant-derived alkaloids, which possess potential therapeutic effects against several NDDs including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Huntington disease (HD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Epilepsy, Schizophrenia, and stroke. Alkaloids include isoquinoline, indole, pyrroloindole, oxindole, piperidine, pyridine, aporphine, vinca, β-carboline, methylxanthene, lycopodium, and erythrine byproducts. Alkaloids constitute positive roles in ameliorating pathophysiology of these illnesses by functioning as muscarinic and adenosine receptors agonists, anti-oxidant, anti-amyloid and MAO inhibitors, acetylcholinestrase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitor, inhibitor of α-synuclein aggregation, dopaminergic and nicotine agonist, and NMDA antagonist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghulam Hussain
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE, Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, 38000 Pakistan
| | - Azhar Rasul
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, 38000 Pakistan
- Chemical Biology Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science. 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198 Japan
| | - Haseeb Anwar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, 38000 Pakistan
| | - Nimra Aziz
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, 38000 Pakistan
| | - Aroona Razzaq
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, 38000 Pakistan
| | - Wei Wei
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE, Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
- Dental Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Muhammad Ali
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, 38000 Pakistan
| | - Jiang Li
- Dental Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xiaomeng Li
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE, Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
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Inhibitory effect of yokukansan on the decrease in the hippocampal excitatory amino acid transporter EAAT2 in stress-maladaptive mice. J Tradit Complement Med 2017; 7:371-374. [PMID: 29034181 PMCID: PMC5634734 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress is widely recognized as a risk factor for the development of major depression and anxiety disorders. Recently, we reported that yokukansan (YKS), a traditional Japanese herbal medicine, alleviated emotional abnormality in stress-maladaptive mice. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of YKS on the expression of excitatory amino acid transporter (EAAT) 1–4 in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in stress-maladaptive mice. Mice were chronically exposed to inadaptable stress, i.e. repeated restraint stress for 240 min/day for 14 days. After the final exposure to stress, brains of mice were rapidly removed and the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex were dissected. Expressions of EAAT1-4 and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), a marker of astrocytes, in the brain tissues were analyzed by western blotting. Western blot analysis revealed that the expression level of EAAT2 was specifically decreased in the hippocampus of stress-maladaptive mice while there were no changes in the level of GFAP, and this change was inhibited by chronic treatment with YKS. In contrast, no changes were observed in the levels of EAAT1, EAAT3 or EAAT4 in stress-maladaptive mice. These results suggest that YKS may protect against the decrease in hippocampal EAAT2 expression induced by stress maladaptation, and this may contribute, at least in part, to the improvement of emotional abnormality.
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17
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Mizoguchi K, Ikarashi Y. Multiple Psychopharmacological Effects of the Traditional Japanese Kampo Medicine Yokukansan, and the Brain Regions it Affects. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:149. [PMID: 28377723 PMCID: PMC5359390 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Yokukansan (YKS), a traditional Japanese Kampo medicine, has indications for use in night crying and irritability in children, as well as neurosis and insomnia. It is currently also used for the remedy of the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), such as aggressiveness, agitation, and hallucinations. In parallel with clinical evidence, a significant amount of fundamental researches have been undertaken to clarify the neuropsychopharmacological efficacies of YKS, with approximately 70 articles, including our own, being published to date. Recently, we reviewed the neuropharmacological mechanisms of YKS, including its effects on glutamatergic, serotonergic, and dopaminergic neurotransmission, and pharmacokinetics of the ingredients responsible for the effects. This review is aimed to integrate the information regarding the psychopharmacological effects of YKS with the brain regions known to be affected, to facilitate our understanding of the clinical efficacy of YKS. In this review, we first show that YKS has several effects that act to improve symptoms that are similar to BPSDs, like aggressiveness, hallucinations, anxiety, and sleep disturbance, as well as symptoms like tardive dyskinesia and cognitive deficits. We next provide the evidence showing that YKS can interact with various brain regions, including the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, striatum, and spinal cord, dysfunctions of which are related to psychiatric symptoms, cognitive deficits, abnormal behaviors, and dysesthesia. In addition, the major active ingredients of YKS, geissoschizine methyl ether and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid, are shown to predominantly bind to the frontal cortex and hippocampus, respectively. Our findings suggest that YKS has multiple psychopharmacological effects, and that these are probably mediated by interactions among several brain regions. In this review, we summarize the available information about the valuable effects of a multicomponent medicine YKS on complex neural networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazushige Mizoguchi
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Kampo Scientific Strategies Division, Tsumura & Co., IbarakiJapan
| | - Yasushi Ikarashi
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Kampo Scientific Strategies Division, Tsumura & Co., IbarakiJapan
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18
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Ikarashi Y, Mizoguchi K. Neuropharmacological efficacy of the traditional Japanese Kampo medicine yokukansan and its active ingredients. Pharmacol Ther 2016; 166:84-95. [PMID: 27373856 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with cognitive dysfunction, and is often complicated by behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) including excitement, aggression, and hallucinations. Typical and atypical antipsychotics are used for the treatment of BPSD, but induce adverse events. The traditional Japanese Kampo medicine yokukansan (YKS), which had been originated from the traditional Chinese medicine Yi-Gan-San, has been reported to improve BPSD without severe adverse effects. In the preclinical basic studies, there are over 70 research articles indicating the neuropharmacological efficacies of YKS. In this review, we first describe the neuropharmacological actions of YKS and its bioactive ingredients. Multiple potential actions for YKS were identified, which include effects on serotonergic, glutamatergic, cholinergic, dopaminergic, adrenergic, and GABAergic neurotransmissions as well as neuroprotection, anti-stress effect, promotion of neuroplasticity, and anti-inflammatory effect. Geissoschizine methyl ether (GM) in Uncaria hook and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) in Glycyrrhiza were responsible for several pharmacological actions of YKS. Subsequently, we describe the pharmacokinetics of GM and GA in rats. These ingredients were absorbed into the blood, crossed the blood-brain barrier, and reached the brain, in rats orally administered YKS. Moreover, autoradiography showed that [(3)H]GM predominantly distributed in the frontal cortex and [(3)H]GA in the hippocampus. Thus, YKS is a versatile herbal remedy with a variety of neuropharmacological effects, and may operate as a multicomponent drug including various active ingredients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasushi Ikarashi
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Kampo Scientific Strategies Division, Tsumura & Co., 3586 Yoshiwara, Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki 300-1192, Japan.
| | - Kazushige Mizoguchi
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Kampo Scientific Strategies Division, Tsumura & Co., 3586 Yoshiwara, Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki 300-1192, Japan.
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19
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Miyagawa K, Saito A, Miyagishi H, Takeda K, Tsuji M, Takeda H. [Prenatal stress induces vulnerability to stress together with the disruption of central serotonin neurons in mice]. Nihon Yakurigaku Zasshi 2016; 147:212-8. [PMID: 27063904 DOI: 10.1254/fpj.147.212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Nakatani Y, Amano T, Yamamoto H, Sakai N, Tsuji M, Takeda H. Yokukansan enhances the proliferation of B65 neuroblastoma. J Tradit Complement Med 2016; 7:34-44. [PMID: 28053886 PMCID: PMC5198832 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Revised: 12/24/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Yokukansan, a traditional Japanese herbal medicine, has been considered to be a novel alternative treatment for several neurological diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders, as well as neurosis, insomnia, and behavioral and psychological symptoms in Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, it has been shown that yokukansan has antidepressant-like and pain-relieving effects in animal models. Recently, several studies have shown that yokukansan has a neuroprotective effect. In this study, we focused on whether or no yokukansan influences cell proliferation related to cell-cycle progression by using B65 neuroblastoma cells derived from monoaminergic neurons. Under treatment with yokukansan, the proliferation rate of B65 neuroblastoma cells significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner. In particular, a proliferative effect was observed after treatment with yokukansan for 48 h and 72 h. Moreover, among seven medicinal herbs that comprise yokukansan, both Bupleuri Radix and Glycyrrhize Radix also enhanced the proliferation of B65 neuroblastoma cells. We assessed the effect of yokukansan on p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation in B65 neuroblastoma cells, and found that yokukansan increased p44/42 MAPK phosphorylation after treatment for 48 h. In contrast, neither Bupleuri Radix nor Glycyrrhize Radix altered the level of p44/42 MAPK phosphorylation, although they did increase cell proliferation. Our findings suggest that yokukansan has a cell-proliferative due to both Bupleuri Radix and Glycyrrhize Radix, and this is unrelated to the p44/42 MAPK signaling cascade.
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Key Words
- 5-HT, Serotonin
- ALR, Atractylodis lanceae Rhizoma
- AR, Angelicae Radix
- B65 neuroblastoma
- BPSD, Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia
- BR, Bupleuri Radix
- Bupleuri Radix
- CR, Cnidii Rhizoma
- Cell proliferation
- GR, Glycyrrhize Radix
- Glycyrrhize Radix
- MAPK, Mitogen-activated protein kinase
- PR, Poria
- SSRI, Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
- UR, Uncariae Uncis cum Ramulus
- Yokukansan
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiko Nakatani
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi, 324-8501, Japan; Department of Pharmacotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi, 324-8501, Japan; Advanced Education and Research Center for Kampo Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi, 324-8501, Japan
| | - Taku Amano
- Department of Pharmacotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi, 324-8501, Japan; Advanced Education and Research Center for Kampo Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi, 324-8501, Japan
| | - Hikaru Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular and Pharmacological Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Norio Sakai
- Department of Molecular and Pharmacological Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Minoru Tsuji
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi, 324-8501, Japan; Advanced Education and Research Center for Kampo Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi, 324-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Takeda
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi, 324-8501, Japan; Advanced Education and Research Center for Kampo Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi, 324-8501, Japan
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Kato H, Tsuji M, Miyagawa K, Takeda K, Takeda H. Ethanol Withdrawal-Induced Impaired Recognition Is Reversed by Chronic Exposure to Stress and the Acute Administration of Corticosterone in Mice. Biol Pharm Bull 2016; 39:1631-1637. [DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b16-00288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hideaki Kato
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare
| | - Minoru Tsuji
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare
| | - Kazuya Miyagawa
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare
| | - Kotaro Takeda
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare
| | - Hiroshi Takeda
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare
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Shimizu S, Tanaka T, Tohyama M, Miyata S. Yokukansan normalizes glucocorticoid receptor protein expression in oligodendrocytes of the corpus callosum by regulating microRNA-124a expression after stress exposure. Brain Res Bull 2015; 114:49-55. [PMID: 25857947 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2015.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Revised: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Stressful events are known to down-regulate expression levels of glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) in the brain. Recently, we reported that stressed mice with elevated plasma levels of corticosterone exhibit morphological changes in the oligodendrocytes of nerve fiber bundles, such as those in the corpus callosum. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism of GR expression regulation in oligodendrocytes after stress exposure. A previous report has suggested that GR protein levels might be regulated by microRNA (miR)-18 and/or -124a in the brain. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the GR regulation mechanism in oligodendrocytes and evaluate the effects of yokukansan (YKS), a Kampo medicine, on GR protein regulation. Acute exposure to stress increased plasma corticosterone levels, decreased GR protein expression, and increased miR-124a expression in the corpus callosum of adult male mice, though the GR mRNA and miR-18 expression levels were not significant changes. YKS normalized the stress-induced changes in the plasma corticosterone, GR protein, and miR124a expression levels. An oligodendrocyte primary culture study also showed that YKS down-regulated miR-124a, but not miR-18, expression levels in dexamethasone-treated cells. These results suggest that the down-regulation of miR124a expression might be involved in the normalization of stress-induced decreases in GR protein in oligodendrocytes by YKS. This effect may imply the molecular mechanisms underlying the ameliorative effects of YKS on psychological symptoms and stress-related behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoko Shimizu
- Division of Molecular Brain Science, Research Institute of Traditional Asian Medicine, Kinki University, Osaka-sayama, Osaka 589-8511, Japan
| | - Takashi Tanaka
- Division of Molecular Brain Science, Research Institute of Traditional Asian Medicine, Kinki University, Osaka-sayama, Osaka 589-8511, Japan
| | - Masaya Tohyama
- Division of Molecular Brain Science, Research Institute of Traditional Asian Medicine, Kinki University, Osaka-sayama, Osaka 589-8511, Japan; Osaka Prefectural Hospital Organization, Osaka 558-8558, Japan
| | - Shingo Miyata
- Division of Molecular Brain Science, Research Institute of Traditional Asian Medicine, Kinki University, Osaka-sayama, Osaka 589-8511, Japan.
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Yokukansan Improves Mechanical Allodynia through the Regulation of Interleukin-6 Expression in the Spinal Cord in Mice with Neuropathic Pain. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2015; 2015:870687. [PMID: 25866544 PMCID: PMC4381658 DOI: 10.1155/2015/870687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Revised: 03/07/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is caused by nerve injury. Yokukansan (Yi-Gan San), a traditional Japanese (Kampo) medicine, has been widely used for neuropathic pain control. However, the analgesic mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the analgesic mechanisms of yokukansan in a mouse model of neuropathic pain. Partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSL) induced mechanical allodynia in mice. Repetitive oral administration of the extracts of yokukansan and the constituent herbal medicine Atractylodis Lanceae Rhizoma, but not Glycyrrhizae Radix, relieved mechanical allodynia in the PSL mice and inhibited the PSL-induced expression of interleukin- (IL-) 6 mRNA in the spinal cord. Yokukansan did not attenuate intrathecal IL-6-induced mechanical allodynia. IL-6 immunoreactivity was detected in microglia and astrocytes in the spinal dorsal horn. These results suggest that yokukansan relieves mechanical allodynia in PSL mice by regulating the expression of IL-6 in astrocytes and/or microglia in the spinal cord. In addition, the components of Atractylodis Lanceae Rhizoma, one of the constituent herbal medicines in yokukansan, may play an important role in the regulation of IL-6 expression and neuropathic pain control.
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Bali A, Jaggi AS. Preclinical experimental stress studies: protocols, assessment and comparison. Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 746:282-92. [PMID: 25446911 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Revised: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Stress is a state of threatened homeostasis during which a variety of adaptive processes are activated to produce physiological and behavioral changes. Preclinical models are pivotal for understanding these physiological or pathophysiological changes in the body in response to stress. Furthermore, these models are also important for the development of novel pharmacological agents for stress management. The well described preclinical stress models include immobilization, restraint, electric foot shock and social isolation stress. Stress assessment in animals is done at the behavioral level using open field, social interaction, hole board test; at the biochemical level by measuring plasma corticosterone and ACTH; at the physiological level by measuring food intake, body weight, adrenal gland weight and gastric ulceration. Furthermore the comparison between different stressors including electric foot shock, immobilization and cold stressor is described in terms of intensity, hormonal release, protein changes in brain, adaptation and sleep pattern. This present review describes these preclinical stress protocols, and stress assessment at different levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjana Bali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala 147002, India.
| | - Amteshwar Singh Jaggi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala 147002, India.
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