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Guo S, Rezaei MJ. The benefits of ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera) supplements on brain function and sports performance. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1439294. [PMID: 39155932 PMCID: PMC11327513 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1439294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Ashwagandha or Withania somnifera is an herbal plant belonging to the Solanaceae family. Because of its wide range of phytochemicals, ashwagandha root extract has been used in numerous research studies, either alone or in conjunction with other natural plants, for various biomedical applications, which include its anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, anti-tumor, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective properties. Additionally, it improves endothelial function, lowers reactive oxygen species, controls apoptosis, and improves mitochondrial function. These properties make it a useful treatment for a variety of conditions, including age-related symptoms, anxiety, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, stress, arthritis, fatigue, and cognitive/memory impairment. Despite the numerous benefits of ashwagandha supplementation, there have been just four meta-analyses on the herb's effectiveness in treating anxiety, neurobehavioral disorders, impotence, and infertility. Moreover, no reviews exist that examine how ashwagandha affects antioxidant response and physical sports performance. Consequently, the goal of this study was to analyze the scientific literature regarding the effects of ashwagandha consumption on antioxidant response and athletic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyi Guo
- College of Physical Education, LiaoNing Petrochemical University, Fushun, Liaoning, China
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Abomosallam M, Hendam BM, Abdallah AA, Refaat R, El-Hak HNG. Neuroprotective effect of Withania somnifera leaves extract nanoemulsion against penconazole-induced neurotoxicity in albino rats via modulating TGF-β1/Smad2 signaling pathway. Inflammopharmacology 2024; 32:1903-1928. [PMID: 38630361 PMCID: PMC11136823 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-024-01461-8] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Penconazole (PEN) is a systemic triazole fungicide used to control various fungal diseases on grapes, stone fruits, cucurbits, and strawberries. Still, it leaves residues on treated crops after collection with many hazardous effects on population including neurotoxicity. Withania somnifera leaves extract (WSLE) is known for its memory and brain function enhancing ability. To evoke such action efficiently, WSLE bioactive metabolites are needed to cross the blood-brain barrier, that could limit the availability of such compounds to be localized within the brain. Therefore, in the present study, the association between PEN exposure and neurotoxicity was evaluated, and formulated WSLE nanoemulsion was investigated for improving the permeability of the plant extract across the blood-brain barrier. The rats were divided into five groups (n = 6). The control group was administered distilled water, group II was treated with W. somnifera leaves extract nanoemulsion (WSLE NE), group III received PEN, group IV received PEN and WSLE, and group V received PEN and WSLE NE. All rats were gavaged daily for 6 weeks. Characterization of compounds in WSLE using LC-MS/MS analysis was estimated. Neurobehavioral disorders were evaluated in all groups. Oxidative stress biomarkers, antioxidant enzyme activities, and inflammatory cytokines were measured in brain tissue. Furthermore, the gene expression patterns of GFAP, APP, vimentin, TGF-β1, Smad2 and Bax were measured. Histopathological changes and immunohistochemical expression in the peripheral sciatic nerve and cerebral cortex were evaluated. A total of 91 compounds of different chemo-types were detected and identified in WSLE in both ionization modes. Our data showed behavioral impairment in the PEN-treated group, with significant elevation of oxidative stress biomarkers, proinflammatory cytokines, neuronal damage, and apoptosis. In contrast, the PEN-treated group with WSLE NE showed marked improvement in behavioral performance and histopathological alteration with a significant increase in antioxidant enzyme activity and anti-inflammatory cytokines compared to the group administered WSLE alone. The PEN-treated group with WSLE NE in turn significantly downregulated the expression levels of GFAP, APP, vimentin, TGF-β1, Smad2 and Bax in brain tissue. In conclusion, WSLE NE markedly enhanced the permeability of plant extract constituents through the blood brain barrier to boost its neuroprotective effect against PEN-induced neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Abomosallam
- Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Basma M Hendam
- Department of Husbandry and Development of Animal Wealth, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Amr A Abdallah
- Central Agricultural Pesticides Laboratory, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Rasha Refaat
- Phytochemistry and Plant Systematics Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Heba Nageh Gad El-Hak
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, 10, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt.
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Bashir A, Nabi M, Tabassum N, Afzal S, Ayoub M. An updated review on phytochemistry and molecular targets of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha). Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1049334. [PMID: 37063285 PMCID: PMC10090468 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1049334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal belongs to the nightshade family Solanaceae and is commonly known as Ashwagandha. It is pharmacologically a significant medicinal plant of the Indian sub-continent, used in Ayurvedic and indigenous systems of medicine for more than 3,000 years. It is a rich reservoir of pharmaceutically bioactive constituents known as withanolides (a group of 300 naturally occurring C-28 steroidal lactones with an ergostane-based skeleton). Most of the biological activities of W. somnifera have been attributed to two key withanolides, namely, withaferin-A and withanolide-D. In addition, bioactive constituents such as withanosides, sitoindosides, steroidal lactones, and alkaloids are also present with a broad spectrum of therapeutic potential. Several research groups worldwide have discovered various molecular targets of W. somnifera, such as inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor kappa-B and promoting apoptosis of cancer cells. It also enhances dopaminergic D2 receptor activity (relief in Parkinson’s disease). The active principles such as sitoindosides VII-X and withaferin-A possess free radical properties. Withanolide-D increases the radio sensitivity of human cancer cells via inhibiting deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage to non-homologous end-joining repair (NHEJ) pathways. Withanolide-V may serve as a potential inhibitor against the main protease (Mpro) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to combat COVID. The molecular docking studies revealed that the withanolide-A inhibits acetyl-cholinesterase in the brain, which could be a potential drug to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Besides, withanolide-A reduces the expression of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, which is responsible for memory loss in epileptic rats. This review demonstrates that W. somnifera is a rich source of withanolides and other bioactive constituents, which can be used as a safe drug for various chronic diseases due to the minimal side effects in various pre-clinical studies. These results are interesting and signify that more clinical trials should be conducted to prove the efficacy and other potential therapeutic effects in human settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arsalan Bashir
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Masarat Nabi
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Nahida Tabassum
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
- *Correspondence: Nahida Tabassum,
| | - Suhaib Afzal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Mehrose Ayoub
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
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Costa G, Serra M, Maccioni R, Casu MA, Kasture SB, Acquas E, Morelli M. Withania somnifera influences MDMA-induced hyperthermic, cognitive, neurotoxic and neuroinflammatory effects in mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114475. [PMID: 36905810 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114475] [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: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Withania somnifera (WS) is utilized in Ayurvedic medicine owing to its central and peripheral beneficial properties. Several studies have accrued indicating that the recreational amphetamine-related drug (+/-)- 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; Ecstasy) targets the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system in mice, inducing neurodegeneration and gliosis, causing acute hyperthermia and cognitive impairment. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a standardized extract of W. somnifera (WSE) on MDMA-induced neurotoxicity, neuroinflammation, memory impairment and hyperthermia. Mice received a 3-day pretreatment with vehicle or WSE. Thereafter, vehicle- and WSE-pretreated mice were randomly divided into four groups: saline, WSE, MDMA alone, WSE plus MDMA. Body temperature was recorded throughout treatment, and memory performance was assessed by a novel object recognition (NOR) task at the end of treatment. Thereafter, immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and striatum the levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), as marker of dopaminergic degeneration, and of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and TMEM119, as markers of astrogliosis or microgliosis, respectively. MDMA-treated mice showed a decrease in TH-positive neurons and fibers in the SNc and striatum respectively, an increase in gliosis and body temperature, and a decrease in NOR performance, irrespective of vehicle or WSE pretreatment. Acute WSE plus MDMA counteracted the modifications in TH-positive cells in SNc, GFAP-positive cells in striatum, TMEM in both areas and NOR performance, as compared to MDMA alone, while no differences were observed as compared to saline. Results indicate that WSE acutely administered in combination with MDMA, but not as pretreatment, protects mice against the noxious central effects of MDMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Costa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Marcello Serra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Riccardo Maccioni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Maria Antonietta Casu
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Translational Pharmacology, UOS of Cagliari, Scientific and Technological Park of Sardinia POLARIS, Pula, Italy
| | - Sanjay B Kasture
- Rajarshi Shahu College of Pharmacy, Buldhana, Maharashtra, India
| | - Elio Acquas
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Micaela Morelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; National Research Council of Italy, Neuroscience Institute, Cagliari, Italy
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Koponen ME, Forget P. Pharmacological Interventions for Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia: A Scoping Review of Preclinical Trials. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11237060. [PMID: 36498635 PMCID: PMC9735807 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11237060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid analgesics are the most effective pharmacological agents for moderate and severe pain. However, opioid use has several limitations such as opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH), which refers to the increased pain sensitivity that occurs once analgesia wears off after opioid administration. Several pharmacological interventions have been suggested for OIH, but the current literature does not provide guidelines on which interventions are the most effective and whether they differ depending on the opioid that induces hyperalgesia. This scoping review aimed to identify and describe all the preclinical trials investigating pharmacological interventions for OIH caused by remifentanil, fentanyl, or morphine as the first step towards evaluating whether the most effective OIH interventions are different for different opioids. METHODS Electronic database searches were carried out in Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science. Detailed data extraction was conducted on the eligible trials. RESULTS 72 trials were eligible for the review. Of these, 27 trials investigated remifentanil, 14 trials investigated fentanyl, and 31 trials investigated morphine. A total of 82 interventions were identified. The most studied interventions were ketamine (eight trials) and gabapentin (four trials). The majority of the interventions were studied in only one trial. The most common mechanism suggested for the interventions was inhibition of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. CONCLUSION This scoping review identified plenty of preclinical trials investigating pharmacological interventions for OIH. Using the current literature, it is not possible to directly compare the effectiveness of the interventions. Hence, to identify the most effective interventions for each opioid, the interventions must be indirectly compared in a meta-analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia Elena Koponen
- Neuroscience with Psychology, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Patrice Forget
- Epidemiology Group, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
- Department of Anaesthesia, National Health Service (NHS) Grampian, Aberdeen AB25 2ZN, UK
- Pain and Opioids after Surgery (PANDOS) European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC) Research Group, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
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D'Cruz M, Andrade C. Potential clinical applications of Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera) in medicine and neuropsychiatry. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2022; 15:1067-1080. [PMID: 36062480 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2022.2121699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ashwagandha (ASW) is the extract of the plant Withania somnifera. It is widely used in complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine (CAIM) but is little discussed in mainstream modern medical literature. AREAS COVERED We performed a review of potential pharmacotherapeutic properties of ASW. Studies were sourced from relevant online and offline databases. In animal models, ASW displays antioxidant activity. It has GABAergic and other neurotransmitter modulatory effects. It reduces apoptosis and promotes synaptic plasticity. It improves cognition and reverses induced cognitive deficits. It attenuates indices of stress. In human subjects, ASW enhances adaptogenesis in healthy adults. It modestly benefits generalized anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, and symptom severity in schizophrenia, substance use disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It improves sleep quality. EXPERT OPINION ASW may confer modest benefit in certain neuropsychiatric conditions. Its benefits may arise from induction of neuroplasticity, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and modulation of GABA and glutamate, as well as other neurotransmitters. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions may also benefit neurodegenerative states. Reports of clinical benefit with ASW must be interpreted with caution, given the paucity of randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Greater methodological rigor is necessary before clinical recommendations on ASW can be confidently made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Migita D'Cruz
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Chittaranjan Andrade
- Department of Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neurotoxicology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
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Maccioni R, Cottiglia F, Maccioni E, Talani G, Sanna E, Bassareo V, Kasture SB, Acquas E. The biologically active compound of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, docosanyl ferulate, is endowed with potent anxiolytic properties but devoid of typical benzodiazepine-like side effects. J Psychopharmacol 2021; 35:1277-1284. [PMID: 33934670 DOI: 10.1177/02698811211008588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical and experimental studies support the therapeutic potential of Withania somnifera (WS) (L.) Dunal on anxiety disorders. This potential is attributable to components present in different plant extracts; however, the individual compound(s) endowed with specific anxiolytic effects and potential modulatory activity of the GABAA receptor complex (GABAAR) have remained unidentified until the recent isolation from a WS methanolic root extract of some GABAAR-active compounds, including the long alkyl-chain ferulic acid ester, docosanyl ferulate (DF). AIMS This study was designed to assess whether DF (0.05, 0.25 and 2 mg/kg), similarly to diazepam (2 mg/kg), may exert anxiolytic effects, whether these effects may be significantly blocked by the benzodiazepine antagonist flumazenil (10 mg/kg) and whether DF may lack some of the benzodiazepines' typical motor, cognitive and motivational side effects. METHODS The behavioural paradigms Elevated Plus Maze, Static Rods, Novel Object Recognition, Place Conditioning and potentiation of ethanol-induced Loss of Righting Reflex were applied on male CD-1 mice. RESULTS Similarly to diazepam, DF exerts anxiolytic effects that are blocked by flumazenil. Moreover, at the full anxiolytic dose of 2 mg/kg, DF lacks typical benzodiazepine-like side effects on motor and cognitive performances and on place conditioning. Moreover, DF fails to potentiate ethanol's (3 g/kg) depressant activity at the ethanol-induced Loss of Righting Reflex paradigm. CONCLUSIONS These data point to DF as an effective benzodiazepine-like anxiolytic compound that, in light of its lack of motor, mnemonic and motivational side effects, could be a suitable candidate for the treatment of anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Maccioni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Filippo Cottiglia
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elias Maccioni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Talani
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (C.N.R.), University Campus, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Enrico Sanna
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (C.N.R.), University Campus, Cagliari, Italy
- Center of Excellence for the Study of Neurobiology of Addiction, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Valentina Bassareo
- Center of Excellence for the Study of Neurobiology of Addiction, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Elio Acquas
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Center of Excellence for the Study of Neurobiology of Addiction, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Antihypernociceptive and Neuroprotective Effects of the Aqueous and Methanol Stem-Bark Extracts of Nauclea pobeguinii (Rubiaceae) on STZ-Induced Diabetic Neuropathic Pain. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:6637584. [PMID: 33603820 PMCID: PMC7872765 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6637584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The greatest common and devastating complication of diabetes is painful neuropathy that can cause hyperalgesia and allodynia. It can disturb psychosocial functioning by increasing levels of anxiety and depression. This work was designed to evaluate the antihyperalgesic, antidepressant, and anxiolytic-like effects of the aqueous and methanol extracts of Nauclea pobeguinii stem-bark in diabetic neuropathy induced by streptozotocin in mice. Diabetic neuropathy was induced in mice by the intraperitoneal administration of 200 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) to provoke hyperglycemia. Nauclea pobeguinii aqueous and methanol extracts at the doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg were administered by oral route, and their effects were evaluated on antihyperalgesic activity (Von Frey filaments, hot plate, acetone, and formalin tests), blood glucose levels, body weight, serum, sciatic nerve proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and sciatic nerve growth factor (IGF and NGF) rates, depression (open field test, forced swimming test, tail suspension test), and anxiety (elevated plus maze, light-dark box test, social interaction). Oral administration of Nauclea pobeguinii stem-bark aqueous and methanol extracts (150 and 300 mg/kg) produced antihyperalgesic, antidepressant, and anxiolytic-like effects in STZ-induced diabetic neuropathic mice. Extracts also triggered a decrease in glycaemia and increased body weight in treated animals. They also significantly (p <0.001) reduced tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and IL-6 and significantly (p <0.001) increased nerve growth factor (NGF) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) in sciatic nerves. The results of this study confirmed that Nauclea pobeguinii aqueous and methanol extracts possess antihyperalgesic, antidepressant, and anxiolytic activities and could be beneficial therapeutic agents.
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Speers AB, Cabey KA, Soumyanath A, Wright KM. Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on Stress and the Stress- Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia. Curr Neuropharmacol 2021; 19:1468-1495. [PMID: 34254920 PMCID: PMC8762185 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666210712151556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Withania somnifera (WS), also known as Ashwagandha, is commonly used in Ayurveda and other traditional medicine systems. WS has seen an increase in worldwide usage due to its reputation as an adaptogen. This popularity has elicited increased scientific study of its biological effects, including a potential application for neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. OBJECTIVE This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of preclinical and clinical studies examining the neuropsychiatric effects of WS, specifically its application in stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. METHODS Reports of human trials and animal studies of WS were collected primarily from the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. RESULTS WS root and leaf extracts exhibited noteworthy anti-stress and anti-anxiety activity in animal and human studies. WS also improved symptoms of depression and insomnia, though fewer studies investigated these applications. WS may alleviate these conditions predominantly through modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and sympathetic-adrenal-medullary axes, as well as through GABAergic and serotonergic pathways. While some studies link specific withanolide components to its neuropsychiatric benefits, there is evidence for the presence of additional, as yet unidentified, active compounds in WS. CONCLUSION While benefits were seen in the reviewed studies, significant variability in the WS extracts examined prevents a consensus on the optimum WS preparation or dosage for treating neuropsychiatric conditions. WS generally appears safe for human use; however, it will be important to investigate potential herb-drug interactions involving WS if used alongside pharmaceutical interventions. Further elucidation of active compounds of WS is also needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amala Soumyanath
- Address correspondence to these authors at the Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA; Tel/Fax: +1-503-494-6882, +1-503-494-7499; E-mails: ;
| | - Kirsten M. Wright
- Address correspondence to these authors at the Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA; Tel/Fax: +1-503-494-6882, +1-503-494-7499; E-mails: ;
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Saleem S, Muhammad G, Hussain MA, Altaf M, Bukhari SNA. Withania somnifera L.: Insights into the phytochemical profile, therapeutic potential, clinical trials, and future prospective. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2020; 23:1501-1526. [PMID: 33489024 PMCID: PMC7811807 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2020.44254.10378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Withania somnifera L. is a multipurpose medicinal plant of family Solanaceae occurring abundantly in sub-tropical regions of the world. The folk healers used the plant to treat several diseases such as fever, cancer, asthma, diabetes, ulcer, hepatitis, eyesores, arthritis, heart problems, and hemorrhoids. The plant is famous for the anti-cancerous activity, low back pain treatment, and muscle strengthening, which may be attributed to the withanolide alkaloids. W. somnifera is also rich in numerous valued secondary metabolites such as steroids, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, and glycosides. A wide range of preclinical trials such as cardioprotective, anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-depressant, and hypoglycemic have been attributed to various parts of the plant. Different parts of the plant have also been evaluated for the clinical trials such as male infertility, obsessive-compulsive disorder, antianxiety, bone and muscle strengthening potential, hypolipidemic, and antidiabetic. This review focuses on folk medicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological, and nutrapharmaceutical potential of the versatile plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumaira Saleem
- Department of Chemistry, GC University Lahore, Lahore 54000 Pakistan
| | - Gulzar Muhammad
- Department of Chemistry, GC University Lahore, Lahore 54000 Pakistan
| | | | - Muhammad Altaf
- Department of Chemistry, GC University Lahore, Lahore 54000 Pakistan
| | - Syed Nasir Abbas Bukhari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Aljouf, Sakaka2014, Saudi Arabia
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Singh L, Joshi T, Tewari D, Echeverría J, Mocan A, Sah AN, Parvanov E, Tzvetkov NT, Ma ZF, Lee YY, Poznański P, Huminiecki L, Sacharczuk M, Jóźwik A, Horbańczuk JO, Feder-Kubis J, Atanasov AG. Ethnopharmacological Applications Targeting Alcohol Abuse: Overview and Outlook. Front Pharmacol 2020; 10:1593. [PMID: 32116660 PMCID: PMC7034411 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive alcohol consumption is the cause of several diseases and thus is of a major concern for society. Worldwide alcohol consumption has increased by many folds over the past decades. This urgently calls for intervention and relapse counteract measures. Modern pharmacological solutions induce complete alcohol self-restraint and prevent relapse, but they have many side effects. Natural products are most promising as they cause fewer adverse effects. Here we discuss in detail the medicinal plants used in various traditional/folklore medicine systems for targeting alcohol abuse. We also comprehensively describe preclinical and clinical studies done on some of these plants along with the possible mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laxman Singh
- Centre for Biodiversity Conservation & Management, G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment & Sustainable Development, Almora, India
| | - Tanuj Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Technology, Kumaun University Bhimtal Campus, Nainital, India
| | - Devesh Tewari
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, India
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Poland
| | - Javier Echeverría
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrei Mocan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Archana N. Sah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Technology, Kumaun University Bhimtal Campus, Nainital, India
| | - Emil Parvanov
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Division BIOCEV, Prague, Czechia
| | - Nikolay T. Tzvetkov
- Institute of Molecular Biology “Roumen Tsanev”, Department of Biochemical Pharmacology and Drug Design, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
- Department Global R&D, NTZ Lab Ltd., Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Zheng Feei Ma
- Department of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China
- School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
| | - Yeong Yeh Lee
- School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
| | - Piotr Poznański
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Poland
| | - Lukasz Huminiecki
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Poland
| | - Mariusz Sacharczuk
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Poland
| | - Artur Jóźwik
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Poland
| | - Jarosław O. Horbańczuk
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Poland
| | - Joanna Feder-Kubis
- Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Atanas G. Atanasov
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Poland
- Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Digital Health and Patient Safety, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Brewer R, Blum K, Bowirrat A, Modestino EJ, Baron D, Badgaiyan RD, Moran M, Boyett B, Gold MS. Transmodulation of Dopaminergic Signaling to Mitigate Hypodopminergia and Pharmaceutical Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia. CURRENT PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 9:164-184. [PMID: 37361136 PMCID: PMC10288629 DOI: 10.2174/2211556009999200628093231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Neuroscientists and psychiatrists working in the areas of "pain and addiction" are asked in this perspective article to reconsider the current use of dopaminergic blockade (like chronic opioid agonist therapy), and instead to consider induction of dopamine homeostasis by putative pro-dopamine regulation. Pro-dopamine regulation could help pharmaceutical opioid analgesic agents to mitigate hypodopaminergia-induced hyperalgesia by inducing transmodulation of dopaminergic signaling. An optimistic view is that early predisposition to diagnosis based on genetic testing, (pharmacogenetic/pharmacogenomic monitoring), combined with appropriate urine drug screening, and treatment with pro-dopamine regulators, could conceivably reduce stress, craving, and relapse, enhance well-being and attenuate unwanted hyperalgesia. These concepts require intensive investigation. However, based on the rationale provided herein, there is a good chance that combining opioid analgesics with genetically directed pro-dopamine-regulation using KB220 (supported by 43 clinical studies). This may become a front-line technology with the potential to overcome, in part, the current heightened rates of chronic opioid-induced hyperalgesia and concomitant Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS) behaviors. Current research does support the hypothesis that low or hypodopaminergic function in the brain may predispose individuals to low pain tolerance or hyperalgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond Brewer
- Department of Nutrigenomics, Genomic Testing Center, Geneus Health, LLC., San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Kenneth Blum
- Department of Nutrigenomics, Genomic Testing Center, Geneus Health, LLC., San Antonio, TX, USA
- Western University Health Sciences, Pomona, CA., USA
- Division of Neuroscience and Addiction Research, Pathway Healthcare, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Eotvos Loránd University, Institute of Psychology, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Psychiatry, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine and Dayton VA Medical Center, Dayton, OH, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT., USA
| | - Abdalla Bowirrat
- Department of Neuroscience and Genetics, Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya, Israel
| | | | - David Baron
- Western University Health Sciences, Pomona, CA., USA
| | - Rajendra D. Badgaiyan
- Department of Psychiatry, ICHAN School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York, NYC. & Department of Psychiatry, South Texas Veteran Health Care System, Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital, San Antonio, TX, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Mark Moran
- Department of Nutrigenomics, Genomic Testing Center, Geneus Health, LLC., San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Brent Boyett
- Division of Neuroscience and Addiction Research, Pathway Healthcare, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Bradford Health Services, Madison, AL., USA
| | - Mark S. Gold
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Mo., USA
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Bassareo V, Talani G, Frau R, Porru S, Rosas M, Kasture SB, Peana AT, Loi E, Sanna E, Acquas E. Inhibition of Morphine- and Ethanol-Mediated Stimulation of Mesolimbic Dopamine Neurons by Withania somnifera. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:545. [PMID: 31275092 PMCID: PMC6593272 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Morphine- and ethanol-induced stimulation of neuronal firing of ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopaminergic neurons and of dopamine (DA) transmission in the shell of the nucleus accumbens (AcbSh) represents a crucial electrophysiological and neurochemical response underlying the ability of these compounds to elicit motivated behaviors and trigger a cascade of plasticity-related biochemical events. Previous studies indicate that the standardized methanolic extract of Withania somnifera roots (WSE) prevents morphine- and ethanol-elicited conditioned place preference and oral ethanol self-administration. Aim of the present research was to investigate whether WSE may also interfere with the ability of morphine and ethanol to stimulate VTA dopaminergic neurons and thus AcbSh DA transmission as assessed in male Sprague-Dawley rats by means of patch-clamp recordings in mesencephalic slices and in vivo brain microdialysis, respectively. Morphine and ethanol significantly stimulated spontaneous firing rate of VTA neurons and DA transmission in the AcbSh. WSE, at concentrations (200-400 μg/ml) that significantly reduce spontaneous neuronal firing of VTA DA neurons via a GABAA- but not GABAB-mediated mechanism, suppressed the stimulatory actions of both morphine and ethanol. Moreover, in vivo administration of WSE at a dose (75 mg/kg) that fails to affect basal DA transmission, significantly prevented both morphine- and ethanol-elicited increases of DA in the AcbSh. Overall, these results highlight the ability of WSE to interfere with morphine- and ethanol-mediated central effects and suggest a mechanistic interpretation of the efficacy of this extract to prevent the motivational properties of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Bassareo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Centre of Excellence on Neurobiology of Addiction, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Talani
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberto Frau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Simona Porru
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Michela Rosas
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra T Peana
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Eleonora Loi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Enrico Sanna
- Centre of Excellence on Neurobiology of Addiction, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Cagliari, Italy.,Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elio Acquas
- Centre of Excellence on Neurobiology of Addiction, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Sonar VP, Fois B, Distinto S, Maccioni E, Meleddu R, Cottiglia F, Acquas E, Kasture S, Floris C, Colombo D, Sissi C, Sanna E, Talani G. Ferulic Acid Esters and Withanolides: In Search of Withania somnifera GABA A Receptor Modulators. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2019; 82:1250-1257. [PMID: 30998355 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.8b01023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Nine compounds, including two undescribed withanolides, withasomniferolides A and B (1 and 2), three known withanolides (3-5), a ferulic acid dimeric ester (6), and an inseparable mixture of three long alkyl chain ferulic acid esters (7-9), were isolated from a GABAA receptor positive activator methanol extract of the roots of Withania somnifera. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated based on NMR, MS, and ECD data analysis. In order to bioassay the single ferulic acid derivatives, compounds 6-9 were also synthesized. The most active compound, docosanyl ferulate (9), was able to enhance the GABAA receptor inhibitory postsynaptic currents with an IC50 value of 7.9 μM. These results, by showing an ability to modulate the GABAA receptor function, cast fresh light on the biological activities of the secondary metabolites of W. somnifera roots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay P Sonar
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences , University of Cagliari , 09124 Cagliari , Italy
- R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research , Shirpur , 425404 India
| | - Benedetta Fois
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences , University of Cagliari , 09124 Cagliari , Italy
| | - Simona Distinto
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences , University of Cagliari , 09124 Cagliari , Italy
| | - Elias Maccioni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences , University of Cagliari , 09124 Cagliari , Italy
| | - Rita Meleddu
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences , University of Cagliari , 09124 Cagliari , Italy
| | - Filippo Cottiglia
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences , University of Cagliari , 09124 Cagliari , Italy
| | - Elio Acquas
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences , University of Cagliari , 09124 Cagliari , Italy
- Centre of Excellence on Neurobiology of Addiction , University of Cagliari , 09042 Cagliari , Italy
| | - Sanjay Kasture
- Department of Pharmacology , Sanjivani College of Pharmaceutical Education & Research , Kopargaon , 423603 India
| | - Costantino Floris
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences , University of Cagliari , 09042 Monserrato , Italy
| | - Daniele Colombo
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences , University of Cagliari , 09124 Cagliari , Italy
| | - Claudia Sissi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences , University of Padova , 35131 Padova , Italy
| | - Enrico Sanna
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences , University of Cagliari , 09124 Cagliari , Italy
- Centre of Excellence on Neurobiology of Addiction , University of Cagliari , 09042 Cagliari , Italy
| | - Giuseppe Talani
- National Research Council (CNR) , Institute of Neuroscience , 09042 Monserrato , Italy
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Combining opioids and non-opioids for pain management: Current status. Neuropharmacology 2019; 158:107619. [PMID: 31029588 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Pain remains a global health challenge. For decades, clinicians have been primarily relying on μ-opioid receptor (MOR) agonists and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain management. MOR agonists remain the most efficacious analgesics available; however, adverse effects related to MOR agonists use are severe which often lead to forced drug discontinuation and inadequate pain relief. The recent opioid overdose epidemic urges the development of safer analgesics. Combination therapy is a well-established clinical pharmacotherapeutic strategy for the treatment of various clinical disorders. The combination of MOR agonists with non-MOR agonists may increase the analgesic potency of MOR agonists, reduce the development of tolerance and dependence, reduce the diversion and abuse, overdose, and reduce other clinically significant side effects associated with prolonged opioid use such as constipation. Overall, the combination therapy approach could substantially improve the therapeutic profile of MOR agonists. This review summarizes some recent developments in this field. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'New Vistas in Opioid Pharmacology'.
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Mbiantcha M, Khalid R, Dawe A, Mehreen A, Atsamo DA, Ateufack G, Hamza D, Nana WY, Bomba FTD, Naeem RU, Izhar A. Antihypernociceptive and neuroprotective effects of Combretin A and Combretin B on streptozotocin-induced diabetic neuropathy in mice. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2019; 392:697-713. [DOI: 10.1007/s00210-019-01626-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Evidence of a PPARγ-mediated mechanism in the ability of Withania somnifera to attenuate tolerance to the antinociceptive effects of morphine. Pharmacol Res 2018; 139:422-430. [PMID: 30503841 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Notwithstanding the experimental evidence indicating Withania somnifera Dunal roots extract (WSE) ability to prolong morphine-elicited analgesia, the mechanisms underlying this effect are largely unknown. With the aim of evaluating a PPARγ-mediated mechanism in such WSE effects, we verified the ability of the PPARγ antagonist GW-9662 to modulate WSE actions. Further, we evaluated the influence of GW-9662 upon WSE / morphine interaction in SH-SY5Y cells since we previously reported that WSE hampers the morphine-induced μ-opioid receptor (MOP) receptor down-regulation. Nociceptive thresholds / tolerance development were assessed in different groups of rats receiving vehicles (control), morphine (10 mg/kg; i.p.), WSE (100 mg/kg, i.p.) and PPARγ antagonist GW-9662 (1 mg/kg; s.c.) in acute and chronic schedules of administration. Moreover, the effects of GW-9662 (5 and 10 μM) applied alone and in combination with morphine (10 μM) and/or WSE (0.25 and 1.00 mg/mL) on the MOP gene expression were investigated in cell cultures. Data analysis revealed a functional effect of the PPARγ antagonist in attenuating the ability of WSE to prolong morphine analgesic effect and to reduce tolerance development after repeated administration. In addition, molecular experiments demonstrated that the blockade of PPARγ by GW-9662 promotes MOP mRNA down-regulation and counteracts the ability of 1.00 mg/mL of WSE to keep an adequate MOP receptor availability. In conclusion, our results support the involvement of a PPARγ-mediated mechanism in the WSE effects on morphine-mediated nociception and the likely usefulness of WSE in lengthening the analgesic efficacy of opioids in chronic therapy.
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Analysis of natural product regulation of opioid receptors in the treatment of human disease. Pharmacol Ther 2018; 184:51-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2017.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Caputi FF, Acquas E, Kasture S, Ruiu S, Candeletti S, Romualdi P. The standardized Withania somnifera Dunal root extract alters basal and morphine-induced opioid receptor gene expression changes in neuroblastoma cells. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 18:9. [PMID: 29316911 PMCID: PMC5761194 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-2065-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Behavioral studies demonstrated that the administration of Withania somnifera Dunal roots extract (WSE), prolongs morphine-elicited analgesia and reduces the development of tolerance to the morphine’s analgesic effect; however, little is known about the underpinning molecular mechanism(s). In order to shed light on this issue in the present paper we explored whether WSE promotes alterations of μ (MOP) and nociceptin (NOP) opioid receptors gene expression in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Methods A range of WSE concentrations was preliminarily tested to evaluate their effects on cell viability. Subsequently, the effects of 5 h exposure to WSE (0.25, 0.50 and 1.00 mg/ml), applied alone and in combination with morphine or naloxone, on MOP and NOP mRNA levels were investigated. Results Data analysis revealed that morphine decreased MOP and NOP receptor gene expression, whereas naloxone elicited their up-regulation. In addition, pre-treatment with naloxone prevented the morphine-elicited gene expression alterations. Interestingly, WSE was able to: a) alter MOP but not NOP gene expression; b) counteract, at its highest concentration, morphine-induced MOP down-regulation, and c) hamper naloxone-induced MOP and NOP up-regulation. Conclusion Present in-vitro data disclose novel evidence about the ability of WSE to influence MOP and NOP opioid receptors gene expression in SH-SY5Y cells. Moreover, our findings suggest that the in-vivo modulation of morphine-mediated analgesia by WSE could be related to the hindering of morphine-elicited opioid receptors down-regulation here observed following WSE pre-treatment at its highest concentration.
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Antihyperalgesic effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera root extract) in rat models of postoperative and neuropathic pain. Inflammopharmacology 2017; 26:207-215. [PMID: 28849547 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-017-0389-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The root of Withania somnifera, commonly known as ashwagandha, is a traditional herb in the Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine and is used as a tonic. Here, we investigated whether W. somnifera root extract exhibits analgesic effects in plantar incision (PI) and spared nerve injury (SNI) rat models. Mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) was measured by von Frey filaments, and pain-related behavior was determined after operation by ultrasonic vocalization (USV) measurements. Indeed, we examined interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels in the isolated dorsal root ganglia (DRG) following SNI in rats using an ELISA cytokine assay. MWT significantly increased 6 and 24 h after PI in rats receiving W. somnifera root extracts (100 and 300 mg/kg). Furthermore, the number of 22-27-kHz USV, which are a distress response, was significantly reduced at 6 and 24 h after PI in W. somnifera-treated rats (100 and 300 mg/kg). SNI-induced hyperalgesia and cytokine levels were significantly alleviated after treating with W. somnifera root extracts (100 and 300 mg/kg) for 15 continuous days. The main active compound, withaferin A, from the W. somnifera root extract has shown the CC chemokine family Receptor 2 (CCR2) antagonistic effects on monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1)-induced Ca2+ response in CCR2 stable cell line. These results indicate that W. somnifera root extract has a potential analgesic effect in rat models for both postoperative and neuropathic pain and shows potential as a drug or supplement for the treatment of pain.
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Shahraki MR, Samadi Noshahr Z, Ahmadvand H, Nakhaie A. Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Withania somnifera root in fructose fed male rats. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2017; 27:387-91. [PMID: 27383871 DOI: 10.1515/jbcpp-2015-0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insulin resistance is a metabolic disorder which affects the diabetes mellitus pathophysiology and alters the cell excitability. This study has been designed to evaluate the anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of chronic administration of Withania somnifera root (WSR) in fructose drinking water rats. METHODS An experiment was carried out on 48 Wistar-Albino male rats, weighting 200±30 g, which were divided into six groups (n=8): control group (C), control morphine (CM), W. somnifera group (WS) which received WSR (62.5 mg/g diet), W. somnifera naloxone group (WSN) which received WSR and naloxone, fructose (F) group which received fructose drinking water and FWS group which received fructose-enriched drinking water and WSR during the trial period. A biphasic pain response was induced after intraplantar injection of formalin (50 μL, 1%). Pain behavior was measured using Dubuisson methods. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS software V. 18, using ANOVA and Tukey test. Results were expressed as mean±SD. Statistical differences were considered significant at p<0.05. RESULTS The results showed that the insulin resistance index, blood sugar, insulin, IL-6, TNF-α, and acute and chronic pain score in the F group were significantly increased in comparison with the control group, but these parameters in the FWS group were significantly decreased compared with the F group (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicated that chronic oral administration of WSR has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in fructose drinking water rats and causes improved insulin resistance index.
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Hamann FR, Zago AM, Rossato MF, Beck VR, Mello CF, de Brum TF, de Carvalho LM, Faccin H, Oliveira SM, Rubin MA. Antinociceptive and antidepressant-like effects of the crude extract of Vitex megapotamica in rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2016; 192:210-216. [PMID: 27435374 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.07.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2016] [Revised: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Vitex megapotamica (Spreng) Moldenke has been used in South American folk medicine to treat inflammatory diseases. However, the effects of V. megapotamica on animal models of nociception and depression have not been evaluated. AIM OF THE STUDY This study investigated whether the crude leaf extract of V. megapotamica exhibits antinociceptive and antidepressant-like effects in a Freund's adjuvant-induced chronic inflammation and depression model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Chronic inflammation was induced in rats by the intraplantar administration of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA; 100μl). The effect of oral crude extract of V. megapotamica (VmE; 3-30mg/kg, p.o.) on nociception (thermal hyperalgesia, mechanical allodynia and arthritis score), inflammation (edema, myeloperoxidase activity), immobility (forced swimming test), locomotor activity (open field), gastrointestinal transit, hyperalgesia and naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal syndrome was evaluated. Naloxone (0.4mg/kg, i.p.) was used to investigate the involvement of opioid system in the currently described effects of VmE. RESULTS Crude extract caused antinociceptive/antidepressant-like effects in the CFA-induced chronic inflammation model, which was prevented by naloxone. The VmE extract (10mg/kg, p.o.) did not alter the locomotor activity, gastrointestinal function and inflammatory parameters and did not cause hyperalgesia. CONCLUSION V. megapotamica induces opioid-dependent antinociception and antidepressant-like effect, without anti-inflammatory activity. The results support the use of VmE as analgesic and antidepressant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Regina Hamann
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Center of Natural and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Adriana Maria Zago
- Pharmacy Undergraduation Program, Centro Universitário Franciscano - UNIFRA, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Mateus Fortes Rossato
- Center of Innovation and Pre-clinical Pharmacology - CIEnP, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Veronica Rubert Beck
- Graduate Program in Pharmacology, Center of Health Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Carlos Fernando Mello
- Graduate Program in Pharmacology, Center of Health Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Thiele Faccim de Brum
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center of Health Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Leandro Machado de Carvalho
- Graduate Program in Chemistry, Center of Exact and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Henrique Faccin
- Graduate Program in Chemistry, Center of Exact and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Sara Marchesan Oliveira
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Center of Natural and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
| | - Maribel Antonello Rubin
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Center of Natural and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Pharmacology, Center of Health Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
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Zhu Q, Sun Y, Mao L, Liu C, Jiang B, Zhang W, Li JX. Antinociceptive effects of sinomenine in a rat model of postoperative pain. Br J Pharmacol 2016; 173:1693-702. [PMID: 26915970 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 01/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE This study examined the antinociceptive effects of sinomenine in a rat model of postoperative pain. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Male and female rats were subjected to a surgical incision in the right hind paw, and the von Frey filament test was used to measure mechanical hypersensitivity after drug or vehicle treatment (p.o. or i.p.). Rats were treated daily with sinomenine before or after the surgery and the AUCs of the antinociceptive effects measured during a 4 h period were calculated to determine the ED50 values of sinomenine. The anti-hyperalgesic effects of different doses of a combination of sinomenine and acetaminophen (paracetamol) were assessed in another group of rats. Dose combinations were determined by using a fixed ratio dose-addition analysis method. KEY RESULTS Sinomenine (5-80 mg·kg(-1) ) produced dose-dependent antinociceptive effects in rats that had been subjected to surgery and this effect lasted for 4 h. The potency of sinomenine, given i.p. or p.o., did not differ between male and female rats. However, sinomenine was fourfold more potent when given i.p. than p.o. The GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline blocked the antinociceptive effects of sinomenine. The antinociceptive effect of a daily treatment with sinomenine remained stable throughout the course of postoperative pain. Pretreatment with sinomenine did not alter the mechanical hypersensitivity post-surgery. The combination of sinomenine with acetaminophen produced an infra-additive interaction. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Sinomenine demonstrated significant antinociceptive activity against postoperative pain and may be a useful novel pharmacotherapy for the management of postoperative pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yuehua Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lina Mao
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chengpeng Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Bo Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jun-Xu Li
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
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Thorn DA, Zhang Y, Li JX. Effects of the imidazoline I2 receptor agonist 2-BFI on the development of tolerance to and behavioural/physical dependence on morphine in rats. Br J Pharmacol 2016; 173:1363-72. [PMID: 26776953 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2015] [Revised: 01/07/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE This study examined the effects of imidazoline I2 receptor agonists on the development of tolerance to and physical dependence on repeated morphine treatment in rats. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Two groups of rats (n = 9 per group) were trained to lever press for sucrose (10%) presentation under a fixed-ratio 10 schedule. The rate-suppressing effects of the opioid receptor ligands morphine and naltrexone and the I2 receptor agonist 2-BFI were examined weekly in rats treated with either daily morphine (20 mg·kg(-1) , s.c.), alone or in combination with 2-BFI (10 mg·kg(-1) ) for 3 weeks. Changes in body weight were measured following naltrexone tests in both groups of rats. In separate experiments, the antinociceptive effects of morphine were assessed using a warm-water tail-withdrawal procedure in rats before and after daily treatments (7 days) with morphine (32 mg·kg(-1) , i.p.) alone or in combination with various doses of the I2 receptor agonists 2-BFI, BU224 and CR4056. KEY RESULTS Daily treatment for 3 weeks, with morphine in combination with 2-BFI produced significantly less tolerance to the rate-suppressing effects of morphine and produced a decreased sensitivity to the rate-suppressing effects of naltrexone as well as decreased naltrexone-induced weight loss, compared with morphine-alone group. Repeated treatment for 7 days with morphine produced antinociceptive tolerance, which was attenuated by co-administration with 2-BFI, BU224 or CR4056. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Imidazoline I2 receptor agonists attenuated the development of tolerance to and physical dependence on morphine, further supporting the therapeutic potential of combining I2 receptor agonists and opioids for pain treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Thorn
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jun-Xu Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
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Abstract
This paper is the thirty-seventh consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2014 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior (endogenous opioids and receptors), and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia (pain and analgesia); stress and social status (human studies); tolerance and dependence (opioid mediation of other analgesic responses); learning and memory (stress and social status); eating and drinking (stress-induced analgesia); alcohol and drugs of abuse (emotional responses in opioid-mediated behaviors); sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (opioid involvement in stress response regulation); mental illness and mood (tolerance and dependence); seizures and neurologic disorders (learning and memory); electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (opiates and conditioned place preferences (CPP)); general activity and locomotion (eating and drinking); gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (alcohol and drugs of abuse); cardiovascular responses (opiates and ethanol); respiration and thermoregulation (opiates and THC); and immunological responses (opiates and stimulants). This paper is the thirty-seventh consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2014 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior (endogenous opioids and receptors), and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia (pain and analgesia); stress and social status (human studies); tolerance and dependence (opioid mediation of other analgesic responses); learning and memory (stress and social status); eating and drinking (stress-induced analgesia); alcohol and drugs of abuse (emotional responses in opioid-mediated behaviors); sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (opioid involvement in stress response regulation); mental illness and mood (tolerance and dependence); seizures and neurologic disorders (learning and memory); electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (opiates and conditioned place preferences (CPP)); general activity and locomotion (eating and drinking); gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (alcohol and drugs of abuse); cardiovascular responses (opiates and ethanol); respiration and thermoregulation (opiates and THC); and immunological responses (opiates and stimulants).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY 11367, United States.
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Sharma C, Sadek B, Goyal SN, Sinha S, Kamal MA, Ojha S. Small Molecules from Nature Targeting G-Protein Coupled Cannabinoid Receptors: Potential Leads for Drug Discovery and Development. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2015; 2015:238482. [PMID: 26664449 PMCID: PMC4664820 DOI: 10.1155/2015/238482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The cannabinoid molecules are derived from Cannabis sativa plant which acts on the cannabinoid receptors types 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2) which have been explored as potential therapeutic targets for drug discovery and development. Currently, there are numerous cannabinoid based synthetic drugs used in clinical practice like the popular ones such as nabilone, dronabinol, and Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol mediates its action through CB1/CB2 receptors. However, these synthetic based Cannabis derived compounds are known to exert adverse psychiatric effect and have also been exploited for drug abuse. This encourages us to find out an alternative and safe drug with the least psychiatric adverse effects. In recent years, many phytocannabinoids have been isolated from plants other than Cannabis. Several studies have shown that these phytocannabinoids show affinity, potency, selectivity, and efficacy towards cannabinoid receptors and inhibit endocannabinoid metabolizing enzymes, thus reducing hyperactivity of endocannabinoid systems. Also, these naturally derived molecules possess the least adverse effects opposed to the synthetically derived cannabinoids. Therefore, the plant based cannabinoid molecules proved to be promising and emerging therapeutic alternative. The present review provides an overview of therapeutic potential of ligands and plants modulating cannabinoid receptors that may be of interest to pharmaceutical industry in search of new and safer drug discovery and development for future therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charu Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Bassem Sadek
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Sameer N. Goyal
- Department of Pharmacology, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Shirpur, Mahrastra 425405, India
| | - Satyesh Sinha
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
| | - Mohammad Amjad Kamal
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Enzymoics, 7 Peterlee Place, Hebersham, NSW 2770, Australia
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
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Spina L, Longoni R, Rosas M, Collu M, Peana AT, Espa E, Kasture S, Cotti E, Acquas E. Withania somnifera Dunal (Indian ginseng) impairs acquisition and expression of ethanol-elicited conditioned place preference and conditioned place aversion. J Psychopharmacol 2015; 29:1191-9. [PMID: 26349555 DOI: 10.1177/0269881115600132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Withania somnifera Dunal (Indian Ginseng) has recently been shown to impair ethanol self-administration. In order to gain further insights on the ability of the Withania somnifera standardised root extract (WSE) to affect the motivational properties of ethanol, this study investigated whether WSE may also affect ethanol (2 g/kg)-elicited conditioned place preference (CPP) and aversion (CPA). To this end male CD-1 mice were conditioned under two distinct schedules: in backward conditioning experiments ethanol was administered before mice were placed in the conditioning apparatus (CPP) while, in forward conditioning experiments, ethanol was administered immediately after removing mice from the apparatus (CPA). Following these schedules, mice developed significant CPP and CPA, respectively. Administration of WSE significantly impaired both the acquisition (50 and 100 mg/kg) and the expression (50 mg/kg) of CPP and CPA without affecting spatial memory (50 mg/kg), as determined by a two-trial memory recognition task. Overall, the study highlights the ability of WSE to interfere with both positive and negative motivational properties of ethanol and suggests that the effects of WSE may target both ethanol's motivational properties and underpinning associative learning mechanisms. In conclusion, these results cast new light on Withania somnifera as an agent potentially useful to counteract distinct aspects of ethanol effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Spina
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rosanna Longoni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Michela Rosas
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Collu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra T Peana
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Elena Espa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sanjay Kasture
- Sanjivani College of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Kopargaon, India
| | - Elisabetta Cotti
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elio Acquas
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy Centre of Excellence on Neurobiology of Addiction, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Kataria H, Gupta M, Lakhman S, Kaur G. Withania somnifera aqueous extract facilitates the expression and release of GnRH: In vitro and in vivo study. Neurochem Int 2015; 89:111-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2015.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Revised: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Anti-hyperalgesic effects of imidazoline I2 receptor ligands in a rat model of inflammatory pain: interactions with oxycodone. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2015; 232:3309-18. [PMID: 26037946 PMCID: PMC4537836 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-015-3983-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/24/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Emerging preclinical evidence suggests that imidazoline I2 receptor ligands may be effective analgesics. Quantitative analysis of the combined I2 receptor ligands and opioids is needed for the justification of combination therapy. OBJECTIVE This study systematically examined the anti-hyperalgesic and response rate-suppressing effects of selective I2 receptor ligands (2-BFI and phenyzoline) alone and in combination with oxycodone in rats. METHODS Von Frey filament test was used to examine the anti-hyperalgesic effects of drugs in a rat model of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammatory pain. Schedule-controlled responding was used to assess the rate-altering effects of study drugs. Duration of actions of individual drugs (2-BFI, phenyzoline, and oxycodone) alone or in combination was studied. Dose-addition analysis was employed to assess the anti-hyperalgesic interactions between drugs. RESULTS Oxycodone (0.1-3.2 mg/kg, i.p.), 2-BFI (1-17.8 mg/kg, i.p.), and phenyzoline (17.8-56 mg/kg, i.p.) all dose-dependently produced significant antinociceptive effects. When studied as combinations, 2-BFI and oxycodone produced additive interactions while phenyzoline and oxycodone produced supra-additive interactions under all fixed ratios. The same drug combinations did not alter or significantly reduced the operant responding depending on the ratios of the drug combinations. CONCLUSIONS Quantitative analysis of the anti-hyperalgesic effects of I2 receptor ligands strongly supports the therapeutic potential of I2 receptor ligands against inflammatory pain. In addition, the data reveal that phenyzoline is superior to the prototypic I2 receptor ligand 2-BFI for the management of pain and warrants further consideration as a novel analgesic.
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Parenti C, Aricò G, Pennisi M, Venditti A, Scoto GM. Harpagophytum procumbens extract potentiates morphine antinociception in neuropathic rats. Nat Prod Res 2015; 30:1248-55. [PMID: 26189616 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2015.1052069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The association of opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, to enhance pain relief and reduce the development of side effects, has been demonstrated. Given many reports concerning the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Harpagophytum procumbens extracts, the aim of our study was to investigate the advantage of a co-administration of a subanalgesic dose of morphine preceded by a low dose of H. procumbens to verify this therapeutically useful association in a neuropathic pain model. Time course, registered with the association of the natural extract, at a dose that does not induce an antinociceptive effect, followed by a subanalgesic dose of morphine showed a well-defined antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic effect, suggesting a synergism as a result of the two-drug association. H. procumbens cooperates synergistically with morphine in resolving hyperalgesia and allodynia, two typical symptoms of neuropathic pain. The results support the strategy of using an adjuvant drug to improve opioid analgesic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Parenti
- a Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, Department of Drug Sciences , University of Catania , Catania , Italy
| | - Giuseppina Aricò
- b Medicinal Chemistry Section, Department of Drug Sciences , University of Catania , Catania , Italy
| | - Marzio Pennisi
- c Department of Mathematics and Computer Science , University of Catania , Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania , Italy
| | - Alessandro Venditti
- d Department of Chemistry , "Sapienza" University of Rome , P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome , Italy.,e Department of Environmental Biology , "Sapienza" University of Rome , P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome , Italy
| | - Giovanna M Scoto
- a Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, Department of Drug Sciences , University of Catania , Catania , Italy
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Ruiu S, Anzani N, Orrù A, Floris C, Caboni P, Alcaro S, Maccioni E, Distinto S, Cottiglia F. Methoxyflavones from Stachys glutinosa with binding affinity to opioid receptors: in silico, in vitro, and in vivo studies. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2015; 78:69-76. [PMID: 25562563 DOI: 10.1021/np500671v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Fractionation of the bioactive dichloromethane extract from the aerial parts of Stachys glutinosa led to the isolation of four flavones, xanthomicrol (1), sideritoflavone (2), 8-methoxycirsilineol (3), and eupatilin (4), along with two neo-clerodane diterpenes, roseostachenone (8) and a new compound, 3α,4α-epoxyroseostachenol (7). In order to study structure-activity relationships, two methoxyflavones [5-demethyltangeretin (5) and tangeretin (6)] were synthesized by the methoxylation of xanthomicrol. The isolated compounds (1-4, 7, and 8) as well as the xanthomicrol semisynthetic derivatives (5 and 6) were evaluated for their binding affinity to the μ and δ opioid receptors. Xanthomicrol was the most potent binder to both μ and δ receptors, with a Ki value of 0.83 and 3.6 μM, respectively. Xanthomicrol administered intraperitoneally in mice at a dose of 80 mg/kg significantly reduced morphine-induced antinociception in the tail flick test. Our results suggested that xanthomicrol is a μ opioid receptor antagonist. Docking experiments were carried out to acquire a deeper understanding about important structural aspects of binding of xanthomicrol. In summary, these data suggest that xanthomicrol is a valuable structure for further development into a potential μ opioid receptor antagonist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Ruiu
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, UOS of Cagliari, National Research Council, Parco Scientifico e Tecnologico , Pula, Cagliari, Italy
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Prakash J, Chouhan S, Yadav SK, Westfall S, Rai SN, Singh SP. Withania somnifera alleviates parkinsonian phenotypes by inhibiting apoptotic pathways in dopaminergic neurons. Neurochem Res 2014; 39:2527-36. [PMID: 25403619 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-014-1443-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2014] [Revised: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Maneb (MB) and paraquat (PQ) are environmental toxins that have been experimentally used to induce selective damage of dopaminergic neurons leading to the development of Parkinson's disease (PD). Although the mechanism of this selective neuronal toxicity in not fully understood, oxidative stress has been linked to the pathogenesis of PD. The present study investigates the mechanisms of neuroprotection elicited by Withania somnifera (Ws), a herb traditionally recognized by the Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda. An ethanolic root extract of Ws was co-treated with the MB-PQ induced mouse model of PD and was shown to significantly rescue canonical indicators of PD including compromised locomotor activity, reduced dopamine in the substantia nigra and various aspects of oxidative damage. In particular, Ws reduced the expression of iNOS, a measure of oxidative stress. Ws also significantly improved the MB + PQ mediated induction of a pro-apoptotic state by reducing Bax and inducing Bcl-2 protein expression, respectively. Finally, Ws reduced expression of the pro-inflammatory marker of astrocyte activation, GFAP. Altogether, the present study suggests that Ws treatment provides nigrostriatal dopaminergic neuroprotection against MB-PQ induced Parkinsonism by the modulation of oxidative stress and apoptotic machinery possibly accounting for the behavioural effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay Prakash
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India,
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