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Hussain M, Thakur RK, Khazir J, Ahmed S, Khan MI, Rahi P, Peer LA, Shanmugam PV, Kaur S, Raina SN, Reshi ZA, Sehgal D, Rajpal VR, Mir BA. Traditional uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology of the Genus Artemisia L. (Asteraceae): A High-value Medicinal Plant. Curr Top Med Chem 2024; 24:301-342. [PMID: 37711006 DOI: 10.2174/1568026623666230914104141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Biologically active secondary metabolites, essential oils, and volatile compounds derived from medicinal and aromatic plants play a crucial role in promoting human health. Within the large family Asteraceae, the genus Artemisia consists of approximately 500 species. Artemisia species have a rich history in traditional medicine worldwide, offering remedies for a wide range of ailments, such as malaria, jaundice, toothache, gastrointestinal problems, wounds, inflammatory diseases, diarrhoea, menstrual pains, skin disorders, headache, and intestinal parasites. The therapeutic potential of Artemisia species is derived from a multitude of phytoconstituents, including terpenoids, phenols, flavonoids, coumarins, sesquiterpene lactones, lignans, and alkaloids that serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). The remarkable antimalarial, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antispasmodic, antioxidative and insecticidal properties possessed by the species are attributed to these APIs. Interestingly, several commercially utilized pharmaceutical drugs, including arglabin, artemisinin, artemether, artesunate, santonin, and tarralin have also been derived from different Artemisia species. However, despite the vast medicinal potential, only a limited number of Artemisia species have been exploited commercially. Further, the available literature on traditional and pharmacological uses of Artemisia lacks comprehensive reviews. Therefore, there is an urgent need to bridge the existing knowledge gaps and provide a scientific foundation for future Artemisia research endeavours. It is in this context, the present review aims to provide a comprehensive account of the traditional uses, phytochemistry, documented biological properties and toxicity of all the species of Artemisia and offers useful insights for practitioners and researchers into underutilized species and their potential applications. This review aims to stimulate further exploration, experimentation and collaboration to fully realize the therapeutic potential of Artemisia in augmenting human health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manzoor Hussain
- Department of Botanical & Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India
| | - Rakesh Kr Thakur
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, U.P, 201313, India
| | - Jabeena Khazir
- Department of Chemistry, HKM Govt. Degree College Eidgah, Srinagar, J&K, India
| | - Sajad Ahmed
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal Road Jammu, 180001, J&K, India
| | | | - Praveen Rahi
- Biological Resources Center, Institut Pasteur, University de Paris, Paris, 75015, France
| | - Latif Ahmad Peer
- Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, 190006, India
| | | | - Satwinderjeet Kaur
- Department of Botanical & Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India
| | - Soom Nath Raina
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, U.P, 201313, India
| | - Zafar Ahmad Reshi
- Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, 190006, India
| | - Deepmala Sehgal
- Syngenta, Jeolett's Hill International Research Centre, Bracknell, Berkshire, UK
| | - Vijay Rani Rajpal
- Department of Botany, HansRaj College, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Bilal Ahmad Mir
- Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, 190006, India
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Osmanlıoğlu Ş, Arslan M, Dağ RO, Yığman Z, Ceyhan MŞ, Er F, Kavutçu M. Artemisinin reduces acute ovarian ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 119:108417. [PMID: 37263547 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108417] [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: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Artemisinin (ARS) is well known as an effective agent in the treatment of malaria through the rapid elimination of Plasmodium falciparum parasites. This study aims to investigate the effect of ARS in treating adnexal torsion, one of the most common gynecological surgical emergencies. ARS was administered intraperitoneally once 30 min before unilateral ovarian torsion in two different doses (10 mg/kg vs. 50 mg/kg). Torsion was maintained for 3 h and then held in the detorted state for 3 h. Bilateral adnexectomy was performed to measure antioxidant enzyme activities and oxidant levels on the ipsilateral ovary and to make histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses on the contralateral ovary. Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury dramatically upregulated the activities of CAT, GST, and MDA levels in the ipsilateral ovary, which were all downregulated by ARS treatment. A significant increase in follicular cell degeneration, congestion, and edema in the contralateral ovary was seen in the I/R group, which was significantly reduced with ARS treatment. Furthermore, I/R injury resulted in a significant increase in apoptosis as shown by the increased levels of BAX and CASP-3, and decreased levels of BCL-2 whereas ARS significantly reduced the impact of the injury. Our data, based on a rat I/R injury model, show that both ipsilateral and contralateral ovaries are protected with ARS pretreatment, and 50 mg/kg ARS treatment demonstrates to be more effective than the 10 mg/kg ARS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Şeyma Osmanlıoğlu
- Ankara Medipol University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Mustafa Arslan
- Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Zeynep Yığman
- Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Ankara, Turkey; Gazi University Neuroscience and Neurotechnology Center of Excellence (NÖROM), Ankara, Turkey
| | - Müşerref Şeyma Ceyhan
- Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Fatma Er
- Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Kavutçu
- Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Ankara, Turkey
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Li X, Yuan Y, Chen Y, Ru L, Yuan Z, Xu Z, Xu Q, Song J, Li G, Deng C. Reproductive and endocrine effects of artemisinin, piperaquine, and artemisinin-piperaquine combination in rats. BMC Complement Med Ther 2022; 22:268. [PMID: 36229813 PMCID: PMC9560020 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-022-03739-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The WHO recommends artemisinin-based combination regimens for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. One such combination is artemisinin-piperaquine tablets (ATQ). ATQ has outstanding advantages in anti-malarial, such as good efficacy, fewer side effects, easy promotion and application in deprived regions. However, the data about the reproductive and endocrine toxicity of ATQ remains insufficient. Thus, we assessed the potential effects of ATQ and its individual components artemisinin (ART) and piperaquine (PQ) on the reproductive and endocrine systems in Wistar rats. METHODS The unfertilized female rats were intragastric administrated with ATQ (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg), PQ (15, 30, and 60 mg/kg), ART (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg), or water (control) for 14 days, respectively. The estrous cycle and serum levels of estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), prostaglandin (PG), and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) were determined. The weights of the kidney, adrenal gland, uterus, and ovaries were measured. The histopathological examinations of the adrenal gland, ovary, uterus, and mammary gland were performed. RESULTS Compared with the control group, there were no significant differences in the examined items of female rats in the ART groups, including general observation, estrous cycle, hormonal level, organ weight, and histopathological examination. The estrous cycle of female rats was disrupted within 4-7 days after ATQ or PQ administration, and then in a persistent dioestrus phase. At the end of administration, ATQ and PQ at three doses induced decreased PG, increased ACTH, increased adrenal weight and size, and pathological lesions in the adrenal gland and ovary, including vasodilation and hyperemia in the adrenal cortex and medulla as well as hyperplasia and vacuolar degeneration, ovarian corpus luteum surface hyperemia, numerous but small corpus luteum, and disordered follicle development. But the serum levels of E2, FSH, LH, and PRL did not change obviously. These adverse effects in ATQ or PQ treated rats could not completely disappear after 21 days of recovery. CONCLUSION Based on the results of this study, ART had no obvious reproductive and endocrine effects on female rats, while ATQ and PQ caused adrenal hyperplasia, increased ACTH, decreased PG, blocked estrus, corpus luteum surface hyperemia, and disrupted follicle development in female rats. These events suggest that ATQ and PQ may interfere with the female reproductive and endocrine systems, potentially reducing fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Li
- grid.411866.c0000 0000 8848 7685Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China ,grid.411866.c0000 0000 8848 7685Sci-tech Industrial Park, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yueming Yuan
- grid.411866.c0000 0000 8848 7685Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China ,grid.411866.c0000 0000 8848 7685Sci-tech Industrial Park, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingyi Chen
- grid.411866.c0000 0000 8848 7685Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Ru
- grid.411866.c0000 0000 8848 7685Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China ,grid.411866.c0000 0000 8848 7685Sci-tech Industrial Park, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zheng Yuan
- grid.411866.c0000 0000 8848 7685Sci-tech Industrial Park, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyong Xu
- grid.411866.c0000 0000 8848 7685Sci-tech Industrial Park, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qin Xu
- grid.411866.c0000 0000 8848 7685Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianping Song
- grid.411866.c0000 0000 8848 7685Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guoming Li
- grid.411866.c0000 0000 8848 7685Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China ,grid.412595.eThe First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Changsheng Deng
- grid.411866.c0000 0000 8848 7685Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China ,grid.412595.eThe First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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Chamorro-Cevallos G, Mojica-Villegas MA, García-Martínez Y, Pérez-Gutiérrez S, Madrigal-Santillán E, Vargas-Mendoza N, Morales-González JA, Cristóbal-Luna JM. A Complete Review of Mexican Plants with Teratogenic Effects. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:1675. [PMID: 35807626 PMCID: PMC9268836 DOI: 10.3390/plants11131675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In Mexico, the use of medicinal plants is the first alternative to treat the diseases of the most economically vulnerable population. Therefore, this review offers a list of Mexican plants (native and introduced) with teratogenic effects and describes their main alterations, teratogenic compounds, and the models and doses used. Our results identified 63 species with teratogenic effects (19 native) and the main alterations that were found in the nervous system and axial skeleton, induced by compounds such as alkaloids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Additionally, a group of hallucinogenic plants rich in alkaloids employed by indigenous groups without teratogenic studies were identified. Our conclusion shows that several of the identified species are employed in Mexican traditional medicine and that the teratogenic species most distributed in Mexico are Astragalus mollissimus, Astragalus lentiginosus, and Lupinus formosus. Considering the total number of plants in Mexico (≈29,000 total vascular plants), to date, existing research in the area shows that Mexican plants with teratogenic effects represent ≈0.22% of the total species of these in the country. This indicates a clear need to intensify the evaluation of the teratogenic effect of Mexican plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germán Chamorro-Cevallos
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Preclínica, Departamento de Farmacia, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Wilfrido Massieu 399, Col. Nueva Industrial Vallejo, Del. Gustavo A. Madero, Ciudad de México 07738, Mexico; (G.C.-C.); (M.A.M.-V.)
| | - María Angélica Mojica-Villegas
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Preclínica, Departamento de Farmacia, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Wilfrido Massieu 399, Col. Nueva Industrial Vallejo, Del. Gustavo A. Madero, Ciudad de México 07738, Mexico; (G.C.-C.); (M.A.M.-V.)
| | - Yuliana García-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología, Departamento de Fisiología “Mauricio Russek”, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Av. Wilfrido Massieu 399, Col. Nueva Industrial Vallejo, Del. Gustavo A. Madero, Ciudad de México 07738, Mexico;
| | - Salud Pérez-Gutiérrez
- Departamento de Sistemas Biológicos, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Xochimilco, Calzada del Hueso 1100, Del. Coyoacán, Ciudad de México 04960, Mexico;
| | - Eduardo Madrigal-Santillán
- Laboratorio de Medicina de Conservación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, Col. Casco de Santo Tomás, Del. Miguel Hidalgo, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico; (E.M.-S.); (N.V.-M.); (J.A.M.-G.)
| | - Nancy Vargas-Mendoza
- Laboratorio de Medicina de Conservación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, Col. Casco de Santo Tomás, Del. Miguel Hidalgo, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico; (E.M.-S.); (N.V.-M.); (J.A.M.-G.)
| | - José A. Morales-González
- Laboratorio de Medicina de Conservación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, Col. Casco de Santo Tomás, Del. Miguel Hidalgo, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico; (E.M.-S.); (N.V.-M.); (J.A.M.-G.)
| | - José Melesio Cristóbal-Luna
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Preclínica, Departamento de Farmacia, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Wilfrido Massieu 399, Col. Nueva Industrial Vallejo, Del. Gustavo A. Madero, Ciudad de México 07738, Mexico; (G.C.-C.); (M.A.M.-V.)
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Phytochemistry and pharmacological activity of the genus artemisia. Arch Pharm Res 2021; 44:439-474. [PMID: 33893998 PMCID: PMC8067791 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-021-01328-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Artemisia and its allied species have been employed for conventional medicine in the Northern temperate regions of North America, Europe, and Asia for the treatments of digestive problems, morning sickness, irregular menstrual cycle, typhoid, epilepsy, renal problems, bronchitis malaria, etc. The multidisciplinary use of artemisia species has various other health benefits that are related to its traditional and modern pharmaceutical perspectives. The main objective of this review is to evaluate the traditional, modern, biological as well as pharmacological use of the essential oil and herbal extracts of Artemisia nilagirica, Artemisia parviflora, and other allied species of Artemisia. It also discusses the botanical circulation and its phytochemical constituents viz disaccharides, polysaccharides, glycosides, saponins, terpenoids, flavonoids, and carotenoids. The plants have different biological importance like antiparasitic, antimalarial, antihyperlipidemic, antiasthmatic, antiepileptic, antitubercular, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, anxiolytic, antiemetic, antidepressant, anticancer, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, insecticidal, antiviral activities, and also against COVID-19. Toxicological studies showed that the plants at a low dose and short duration are non or low-toxic. In contrast, a high dose at 3 g/kg and for a longer duration can cause toxicity like rapid respiration, neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, etc. However, further in-depth studies are needed to determine the medicinal uses, clinical efficacy and safety are crucial next steps.
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Mancuso RI, Foglio MA, Olalla Saad ST. Artemisinin-type drugs for the treatment of hematological malignancies. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2020; 87:1-22. [PMID: 33141328 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-020-04170-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Qinghaosu, known as artemisinin (ARS), has been for over two millennia, one of the most common herbs prescribed in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). ARS was developed as an antimalarial drug and currently belongs to the established standard treatments of malaria as a combination therapy worldwide. In addition to the antimalarial bioactivity of ARS, anticancer activities have been shown both in vitro and in vivo. Like other natural products, ARS acts in a multi-specific manner also against hematological malignancies. The chemical structure of ARS is a sesquiterpene lactone, which contains an endoperoxide bridge essential for activity. The main mechanism of action of ARS and its derivatives (artesunate, dihydroartemisinin, artemether) toward leukemia, multiple myeloma, and lymphoma cells comprises oxidative stress response, inhibition of proliferation, induction of various types of cell death as apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis, and signal transducers, as NF-κB, MYC, amongst others. Therefore, new pharmaceutically active compounds, dimers, trimers, and hybrid molecules, could enhance the existing therapeutic alternatives in combating hematologic malignancies. Owing to the high potency and good tolerance without side effects of ARS-type drugs, combination therapies with standard chemotherapies could be applied in the future after further clinical trials in hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- R I Mancuso
- Hematology and Hemotherapy Center, University of Campinas, HEMOCENTRO UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - M A Foglio
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - S T Olalla Saad
- Hematology and Hemotherapy Center, University of Campinas, HEMOCENTRO UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Clark RL. Teratogen update: Malaria in pregnancy and the use of antimalarial drugs in the first trimester. Birth Defects Res 2020; 112:1403-1449. [PMID: 33079495 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is a particular problem in pregnancy because of enhanced sensitivity, the possibility of placental malaria, and adverse effects on pregnancy outcome. Artemisinin-containing combination therapies (ACTs) are the most effective antimalarials known. WHO recommends 7-day quinine therapy for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in the first trimester despite the superior tolerability and efficacy of 3-day ACT regimens because artemisinins caused embryolethality and/or cardiovascular malformations at relatively low doses in rats, rabbits, and monkeys. The developmental toxicity of artesunate, artemether, and DHA were similar in rats but artesunate was embryotoxic at lower doses in rabbits (5 mg/kg/day) than artemether (no effect level = 25 mg/kg/day). In clinical studies in Africa, treatment with artemether-lumefantrine in the first trimester was observed to be highly efficacious and the miscarriage rate (≤3.1%) was similar to no antimalarial treatment (2.6%). When data from the first-trimester use of largely artesunate-based therapies in Thailand were pooled together, there was no difference in miscarriage rate compared to quinine. However, individually, artesunate-mefloquine was associated with a higher miscarriage rate (15/71 = 21%) compared to other artemisinin-based therapies including 7-day artesunate + clindamycin (2/50 = 4%) and quinine (92/842 = 11%). Thus, appropriate statistical comparisons of individual ACT groups are needed prior to assuming that they all have the same risk for developmental toxicity. Current limitations in the assessment of the safety of ACTs in the first trimester are a lack of exposures early in gestation (gestational weeks 6-7), limited postnatal evaluation for cardiovascular malformations, and the pooling of all ACTs for the assessment of risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Clark
- Artemis Pharmaceutical Research, Saint Augustine, Florida, USA
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González R, Pons-Duran C, Bardají A, Leke RGF, Clark R, Menendez C. Systematic review of artemisinin embryotoxicity in animals: Implications for malaria control in human pregnancy. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2020; 402:115127. [PMID: 32622917 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2020.115127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Pregnant women are one of the most susceptible and vulnerable groups to malaria, the most important parasitic disease worldwide. Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are recommended for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in all population groups including pregnant women. However, due to the embryotoxicity observed in animal studies, ACTs have long been contraindicated during the first trimester in pregnant women. Despite the safety concerns raised in pre-clinical studies, recent findings on ACTs's use in pregnant women appear to be reassuring regarding safety and have prompted a revision of malaria treatment guidelines for first trimester of pregnancy. To contribute to the risk-benefit assessment of ACTs, we conducted a systematic literature review of animal studies published between 2007 and 2019, which evaluated the embryotoxic effects of artemisinin and its derivatives among pregnant mammals. Eighteen experimental studies fitted the inclusion criteria. These studies confirmed and further characterized the severe embryolethal and embryotoxic dose-dependent effects of artemisinin and its derivatives when administered during the organogenesis period in rats, rabbits and monkeys. Timing of administration and dosage of the drug were found to be key factors in the appearance of embryo damage. Overall, the translation of the findings of artemisinin derivatives use in animal studies to pregnant women remains disturbing. Thus, a policy change in the use of ACTs during the first trimester in pregnant women for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria does not seem pertinent and if implemented, it should be accompanied by solid pharmacovigilance systems, which are challenging to establish in malaria endemic countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel González
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain.
| | - Clara Pons-Duran
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Azucena Bardají
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain; Manhiça Health Research Center (CISM), Manhiça, Mozambique
| | - Rose G F Leke
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Haematology, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Robert Clark
- Artemis Pharmaceutical Research, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Clara Menendez
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain; Manhiça Health Research Center (CISM), Manhiça, Mozambique
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Oladeji OS, Oluyori AP, Bankole DT, Afolabi TY. Natural Products as Sources of Antimalarial Drugs: Ethnobotanical and Ethnopharmacological Studies. SCIENTIFICA 2020; 2020:7076139. [PMID: 32455050 PMCID: PMC7238349 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7076139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
MATERIALS AND METHODS For this study, relevant information was procured from the inhabitants via a structured questionnaire to procure the general knowledge of antimalarial medicinal plants. Results and Discussion. A total of 90 interviewees (44 men and 46 women) were involved in this survey. A total of 59 medicinal species were identified, which were dispersed in 33 families (Asteraceae (6), Apocynaceae (5), Anacardiaceae, Annonaceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae, Meliaceae, Poaceae, and Rubiaceae (3 each), Phyllanthaceae (2)) totaling 49% of the cited species. The most cited plants are Azadirachta indica (42), Mangifera indica (38), Carica papaya (28), Cymbopogon citratus (27), Cassia fistula (15), Morinda lucida (14), Anacardium occidentale and Vernonia amygdalina (13 each), Helianthus annuus (11), Enantia chlorantha (10), and Moringa oleifera (9) A total of 105 citations were recorded for the plant parts used (leaf (46), bark (17), fruits (9), root (9), latex (11), stem (11), and inflorescence (2)) while decoction (59%), maceration (25%), infusion (9%), and exudation (7%) were the methods of preparation. Use Values (UVs) of 0.47 to 0.11 were recorded for the frequently used antimalarial plants. The Efficiency Levels (ELs) of 11 different medicinal plants stated by the respondents were Azadirachta indica, Cassia fistula and Morinda lucida (12), Chromolaena odorata (10), Mangifera indica, Enantia chlorantha and Helianthus annuus (8), Cymbopogon citratus (7), Gossypium arboretum (4), Landolphia dulcis (3), and Aloe vera (2) Cocos nucifera, Curcuma longa, Forkia biglobosa, and Musa acuminate are mentioned for the first time in the study area with little or no reported antiplasmodial activities. CONCLUSION The study appraised the commonly used antimalarial plants in the study areas. Therefore, commitment to scientifically explore the bioactive compounds, antimalarial potential and toxicological profile of these plants is inevitable as they could lead to novel natural products for effective malaria therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwole Solomon Oladeji
- Natural Products Research Unit, Department of Physical Sciences, College of Pure and Applied Sciences, Landmark University, PMB 1001, Omu Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria
| | - Abimbola Peter Oluyori
- Natural Products Research Unit, Department of Physical Sciences, College of Pure and Applied Sciences, Landmark University, PMB 1001, Omu Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria
| | - Deborah Temitope Bankole
- Natural Products Research Unit, Department of Physical Sciences, College of Pure and Applied Sciences, Landmark University, PMB 1001, Omu Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria
| | - Tokunbo Yemisi Afolabi
- Natural Products Research Unit, Department of Physical Sciences, College of Pure and Applied Sciences, Landmark University, PMB 1001, Omu Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria
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Taleghani A, Emami SA, Tayarani-Najaran Z. Artemisia: a promising plant for the treatment of cancer. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 28:115180. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2019.115180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Neamsuvan O, Komonhiran P, Boonming K. Medicinal plants used for hypertension treatment by folk healers in Songkhla province, Thailand. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2018; 214:58-70. [PMID: 29229570 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Hypertension is the most dominant risk factor for the development of cardiovascular, kidney, and eye diseases. In Thailand, illness and hospitalisation in the modern public health system due to high blood pressure is increasing. However, some Thai people have turned their attention to the use of herbal medicines for healthcare. Therefore, this study aimed (1) to study the folk knowledge of hypertension treatment and (2) to study plant utilisation in the treatment of high blood pressure by Songkhla folk healers. MATERIALS AND METHODS Field surveys and semi-structured interviews about theories of disease, principles of healing, and herbal usage (plant species, parts used, preparation, and application methods) were gathered. The data were analysed by descriptive statistics. The literatures regarding medicinal plants used in any traditional medicine, antihypertension activity, and toxicity was reviewed. RESULTS Most healers believed that hypertension was caused by the disorder of fire and wind elements in the body. The medicinal plants containing hot and mild tastes, which had the potential for treating problems in the wind element, were applied. A total of 62 species were used for hypertension treatment. Most plants were in the Asteraceae, Piperaceae, Rutaceae, or Zingiberaceae family (4 species each). Herbal medicines were preferred to be prepared by boiling (78%) and consumed by drinking 1 teacup before 3 meals each day (26%). Piper retrofractum and Cleome viscosa had the greatest Frequency of Citation (FC = 6, n = 14). Thirty-seven species have been reported for use in traditional medicine. Twenty-four and 46 species have already been investigated for antihypertension activity and toxicity, respectively. CONCLUSION Identifying medicinal plants that have been tested by experienced folk doctors would provide an opportunity for people to choose and consume local herbs that are easy to access in their local area. However, the remaining plants that have not been studied for antihypertension activity and toxicity should be further analysed to confirm their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oratai Neamsuvan
- Faculty of Traditional Thai Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90112, Thailand.
| | - Panadda Komonhiran
- Faculty of Traditional Thai Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90112, Thailand
| | - Kamonvadee Boonming
- Faculty of Traditional Thai Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90112, Thailand
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Zyad A, Tilaoui M, Jaafari A, Oukerrou MA, Mouse HA. More insights into the pharmacological effects of artemisinin. Phytother Res 2017; 32:216-229. [PMID: 29193409 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Artemisinin is one of the most widely prescribed drugs against malaria and has recently received increased attention because of its other potential biological effects. The aim of this review is to summarize recent discoveries of the pharmaceutical effects of artemisinin in basic science along with its mechanistic action, as well as the intriguing results of recent clinical studies, with a focus on its antitumor activity. Scientific evidence indicates that artemisinin exerts its biological activity by generating reactive oxygen species that damage the DNA, mitochondrial depolarization, and cell death. In the present article review, scientific evidence suggests that artemisinin is a potential therapeutic agent for various diseases. Thus, this review is expected to encourage interested scientists to conduct further preclinical and clinical studies to evaluate these biological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelmajid Zyad
- Laboratory of Biological Engineering, Team of Natural Substances and Cellular and Molecular Immuno-pharmacology, Immuno-biology of Cancer Cells, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Beni-Mellal, Morocco
| | - Mounir Tilaoui
- Laboratory of Biological Engineering, Team of Natural Substances and Cellular and Molecular Immuno-pharmacology, Immuno-biology of Cancer Cells, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Beni-Mellal, Morocco
| | - Abdeslam Jaafari
- Laboratory of Biological Engineering, Team of Natural Substances and Cellular and Molecular Immuno-pharmacology, Immuno-biology of Cancer Cells, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Beni-Mellal, Morocco
| | - Moulay Ali Oukerrou
- Laboratory of Biological Engineering, Team of Natural Substances and Cellular and Molecular Immuno-pharmacology, Immuno-biology of Cancer Cells, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Beni-Mellal, Morocco
| | - Hassan Ait Mouse
- Laboratory of Biological Engineering, Team of Natural Substances and Cellular and Molecular Immuno-pharmacology, Immuno-biology of Cancer Cells, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Beni-Mellal, Morocco
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Incorporation of dihydroartemisinin into memantine through a propriate spacer to make hybrid with enhanced effects to protect PC12 cells from corticosterone-caused impairments. Chem Res Chin Univ 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s40242-017-6465-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Gomes C, Boareto AC, Dalsenter PR. Clinical and non-clinical safety of artemisinin derivatives in pregnancy. Reprod Toxicol 2016; 65:194-203. [PMID: 27506918 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Malaria in pregnancy is a clinically wasting infectious disease, where drug therapy has to be promptly initiated. Currently, the treatment of this infection depends on the use of artemisinin derivatives. The World Health Organization does not recommend the use of these drugs in the first trimester of pregnancy due to non-clinical findings that have shown embryolethality and teratogenic effects. Nevertheless, until now, this toxicity has not been proved in humans. Artemisinin derivatives mechanisms of embryotoxicity are related to depletion of circulating embryonic primitive erythroblasts. Species differences in this sensitive period for toxicity and the presence of malaria infection, which could reduce drug distribution to the fetus, are significant to the risk assessment of artemisinin derivatives treatment to pregnant women. In this review we aimed to assess the results of non-clinical and clinical studies with artemisinin derivatives, their mechanisms of embryotoxicity and discuss the safety of their use during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Gomes
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
| | - Ana Cláudia Boareto
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
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Zheng W, Chong CM, Wang H, Zhou X, Zhang L, Wang R, Meng Q, Lazarovici P, Fang J. Artemisinin conferred ERK mediated neuroprotection to PC12 cells and cortical neurons exposed to sodium nitroprusside-induced oxidative insult. Free Radic Biol Med 2016; 97:158-167. [PMID: 27242266 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2016.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2015] [Revised: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The production of nitric oxide (NO) is one of the primary mediators of ischemic damage, glutamate neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration and therefore inhibition of NO-induced neurotoxicity may be considered a therapeutic target for reducing neuronal cell death (neuroprotection). In this study, artemisinin, a well-known anti-malaria drug was found to suppress sodium nitroprusside (SNP, a nitric oxide donor)-induced cell death in the PC12 cells and brain primary cortical neuronal cultures. Pretreatment of PC12 cells with artemisinin significantly suppressed SNP-induced cell death by decreasing the extent of oxidation, preventing the decline of mitochondrial membrane potential, restoring abnormal changes in nuclear morphology and reducing lactate dehydrogenase release and inhibiting caspase 3/7 activities. Western blotting analysis revealed that artemisinin was able to activate extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) pathway. Furthermore, the ERK inhibitor PD98059 blocked the neuroprotective effect of artemisinin whereas the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 had no effect. Cumulatively these findings support the notion that artemisinin confers neuroprotection from SNP-induce neuronal cell death insult, a phenomenon coincidentally related to activation of ERK phosphorylation. This SNP-induced oxidative insult in PC12 cell culture model may be useful to investigate molecular mechanisms of NO-induced neurotoxicity and drug-induced neuroprotection, and to generate novel therapeutic concepts for ischemic disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhua Zheng
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | | | - Haitao Wang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Xuanhe Zhou
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Lang Zhang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rikang Wang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Meng
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Philip Lazarovici
- School of Pharmacy Institute for Drug Research, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91102, Israel
| | - Jiankang Fang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
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The biological characteristics of a novel camptothecin–artesunate conjugate. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2015; 25:148-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2014.10.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Revised: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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17
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Farombi EO, Abolaji AO, Adedara IA, Maduako I, Omodanisi I. Artemisinin induces hormonal imbalance and oxidative damage in the erythrocytes and uterus but not in the ovary of rats. Hum Exp Toxicol 2014; 34:83-92. [PMID: 24876631 DOI: 10.1177/0960327114532385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Artemisinin is an antimalarial drug previously reported to induce neurotoxicity and embryotoxicity in animal models. This study investigated the erythrocytes and reproductive toxicity potentials of artemisinin in female rats. Animals were randomly divided into four study groups of eight rats each. The control group (group I) received corn oil, the vehicle, while groups II-IV were orally exposed to 7, 35 and 70 mg kg(-1) day(-1) of artemisinin, respectively, by gastric intubation for 7 consecutive days. Subsequently, we evaluated the impact of artemisinin on the endocrine environment and selected markers of oxidative damage and antioxidant status of the erythrocytes, ovary and uterus. Artemisinin significantly increased hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and decreased catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities in erythrocytes and uterus of rats compared with control group (p < 0.05). However, artemisinin did not alter ovarian MDA, H2O2, glutathione levels and catalase activity, while ovarian and uterine histological assessment revealed absence of visible lesions. Moreover, artemisinin significantly decreased follicle-stimulating hormone and increased progesterone levels compared with control (p < 0.05). Thus, these data suggest that in the absence of malarial parasite infection, artemisinin induced hormonal imbalance and oxidative damage in the erythrocytes and uterus but spared the ovary of rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- E O Farombi
- Drug Metabolism and Molecular Toxicology Research Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - A O Abolaji
- Drug Metabolism and Molecular Toxicology Research Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - I A Adedara
- Drug Metabolism and Molecular Toxicology Research Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - I Maduako
- Drug Metabolism and Molecular Toxicology Research Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - I Omodanisi
- Drug Metabolism and Molecular Toxicology Research Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Farombi EO, Adedara IA, Abolaji AO, Anamelechi JP, Sangodele JO. Sperm characteristics, antioxidant status and hormonal profile in rats treated with artemisinin. Andrologia 2013; 46:893-901. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- E. O. Farombi
- Drug Metabolism and Toxicology Research Laboratories; Department of Biochemistry; College of Medicine; University of Ibadan; Ibadan Nigeria
| | - I. A. Adedara
- Drug Metabolism and Toxicology Research Laboratories; Department of Biochemistry; College of Medicine; University of Ibadan; Ibadan Nigeria
| | - A. O. Abolaji
- Drug Metabolism and Toxicology Research Laboratories; Department of Biochemistry; College of Medicine; University of Ibadan; Ibadan Nigeria
| | - J. P. Anamelechi
- Drug Metabolism and Toxicology Research Laboratories; Department of Biochemistry; College of Medicine; University of Ibadan; Ibadan Nigeria
| | - J. O. Sangodele
- Drug Metabolism and Toxicology Research Laboratories; Department of Biochemistry; College of Medicine; University of Ibadan; Ibadan Nigeria
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Boareto A, Müller J, Lourenço E, Lombardi N, Lourenço A, Rabitto I, de Morais R, Rios F, Dalsenter P. Effects of the combined artesunate and mefloquine antimalarial drugs on rat embryos. Hum Exp Toxicol 2013; 32:930-41. [DOI: 10.1177/0960327113475678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Artemisinins combination therapy (ACT) is the first choice therapy for falciparum malaria. Data on the safety of ACTs in pregnancy are limited and controversial and the use is not recommended on the first trimester. To evaluate the effects of isolated and combined artesunate (AS)/mefloquine (MQ) on embryo rats, pregnant rats were treated orally with AS (15 and 40 mg/kg body weight (bwt)/day), MQ (30 and 80 mg/kg bwt/day) and AS/MQ (15/30 and 40/80 mg/kg bwt/day) on days 9–11 post coitum (pc). The dams were euthanized on day 12 pc and gestational and embryos histological parameters were evaluated. Embryolethality and histopathological anomalies were significant when AS was given alone or combined with MQ. Combination of AS and MQ did not enhance their toxicity compared to their separate administrations; on the other side, there was a reduction in the toxic effects of the AS when combined with MQ. Isolated MQ did not induce developmental toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A.C. Boareto
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - J.C. Müller
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - E.L.B. Lourenço
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - N. Lombardi
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - A.C. Lourenço
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - I. Rabitto
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - R.N. de Morais
- Department of Physiology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - F.S. Rios
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - P.R. Dalsenter
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
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Effects of different concentrations of artemisinin and artemisinin-iron combination treatment on Madin Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells. Interdiscip Toxicol 2012; 5:30-7. [PMID: 22783147 PMCID: PMC3389507 DOI: 10.2478/v10102-012-0006-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2011] [Revised: 02/10/2012] [Accepted: 02/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin is a sesquitrepenelactone with an endoperoxide bridge. It is a naturally occurring substance from Artemisia species plants. Artemisia species have been used in oriental medicine for centuries to treat malaria, gastrointestinal helminthosia, diarrhea, and as an antipyretic and sedative agent. Antileishmanial activity of the plants has been announced a few years ago. Dogs are the most important reservoir of leishmaniasis in some parts of the world. To use it as an antileishmanial drug in dogs, its side effects on different organs, among them the kidney as the organ of elimination have to be elucidated. Artemisinin with different concentrations (0.15, 0.3, 0.6 and 1.2 μg/ml) was added to the culture of MDCK (Madin darby canine kidney) cells with and without iron (86 μg/dl). All the changes were controlled and photographed every 12 hours using an invert microscope. After 60 hours, supernatants and cell extracts were examined for LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) concentration and total protein. Also TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) test was performed on cell extracts. Some microscopic slides were prepared from the cells and stained with hematoxylin-eosin for microscopic exams. Biochemical parameters showed cellular reaction and injury in a concentration dependent manner. Cell injury was more severe in the iron-added groups. Microscopic exams showed cell and nuclear swelling, granular degeneration, vacuole and vesicle formation, cellular detachment, piknosis, karyorrhexis, cellular necrosis and inhibition of new mitosis. On using the drug for leishmaniasis treatment in the dog, it should be done with caution and supervision.
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Abolaji AO, Eteng MU, Ebong PE, Brisibe EA, Dar A, Kabir N, Choudhary MI. A safety assessment of the antimalarial herb Artemisia annua during pregnancy in Wistar rats. Phytother Res 2012; 27:647-54. [PMID: 22736625 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.4760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2012] [Revised: 05/17/2012] [Accepted: 05/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Artemisia annua is a Chinese antimalarial herb that has been used for more than 2000 years. The maternal and foetal safety of the ethanolic leaf extract of therapeutically active Artemisia annua (EAA), with previously determined artemisinin yield of 1.098% was evaluated in Wistar rats. Twenty pregnant rats, divided into four study groups of saline treated (control), and test groups administered orally with 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weights of EAA, respectively, from gestation days (GD) 8 to 19. Following overnight fast, animals were sacrificed on GD 20, and maternal blood was collected to evaluate biochemical and haematological markers. Foetuses were carefully removed, weighed, and observed for any possible malformation. Biochemical and haematological studies revealed that EAA did not result in maternal hepatotoxicity, haematotoxicity, and hyperlipidemia. While litter size significantly decreased (p < 0.05) at 100 mg/kg EAA, maternal estrogen levels decreased in all the EAA-treated groups. Non-viable (21%) and malformed (31%) foetuses were observed at the 300 mg/kg dose of EAA, which implies that although consumption of the leaf extract may not predispose users to hepatotoxicity, haematotoxicity, and hyperlipidemia, it should be taken with caution during pregnancy due to possible risk of embryotoxicity at concentrations higher than the therapeutic dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amos O Abolaji
- Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan.
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Alcântara DDFÁ, Ribeiro HF, Cardoso PCDS, Araújo TMT, Burbano RR, Guimarães AC, Khayat AS, de Oliveira Bahia M. In vitro evaluation of the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of artemether, an antimalarial drug, in a gastric cancer cell line (PG100). J Appl Toxicol 2011; 33:151-6. [PMID: 21953315 DOI: 10.1002/jat.1734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2011] [Revised: 08/04/2011] [Accepted: 08/05/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Artemisinin is a sesquiterpene lactone endoperoxide, obtained from Artemisia annua, and extensively used as an antimalarial drug. Many studies have reported the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of artemisinins; however, there are no studies that compare such effects between cancer cell lines and normal human cells after treatment with artemether, an artemisinin derivative. Gastric cancer is the fourth most frequent type of cancer and the second highest cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro genotoxic and cytotoxic effects induced by artemether in gastric cancer cell line (PG100) and compare them with the results obtained in human lymphocytes exposed to the same conditions. We used MTT (3-(4,5-methylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) assay, comet assay and ethidium bromide/acridine orange viability staining to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of artemether in PG100. MTT assay showed a decrease in the survival percentages for both cell types treated with different concentrations of artemether (P < 0.05). PG100 also showed a significant dose-dependent increase in DNA damage index at concentrations of 119.4 and 238.8 µg ml(-1) (P < 0.05). Our results showed that artemether induced necrosis in PG100 at concentrations of 238.8 and 477.6 µg ml(-1), for all the tested harvest times (P < 0.05). In lymphocytes, artemether induced both apoptosis and necrosis at concentrations of 238.8 and 477.6 µg ml(-1), for all the tested harvest times (P < 0.05). In conclusion, human lymphocytes were more sensitive to the cytotoxic effects of the antimalarial drug than the gastric cancer cell line PG100.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Di Felipe Ávila Alcântara
- Human Cytogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Augusto Corrêa, 01, CEP, 66075-110, Belém, PA, Brazil
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Shahbazfar AA, Mardjanmehr SH, Arab HA, Rassouli A, Abdollahi M. Effects of artemisinin in broiler chickens following chronic oral intake. Trop Anim Health Prod 2011; 43:843-9. [PMID: 21197575 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-010-9771-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Artemisinin has been used for centuries to treat malaria, intestinal tract helminthosis, diarrhea, and used as an antipyretic and sedative agent, but the usage in veterinary medicine is a new field. Recently, it has been used successfully to control experimental poultry coccidiosis. The present study aimed to determine the effects of different doses of artemisinin in broiler chickens with chronic usage. Sixty birds divided into one control and four treatment groups that fed rations mixed with artemisinin at doses of 17, 34, 68, and 136 ppm for 36 days. During the experiment, birds showed no clinical signs except anemia. In microscopic examinations, heart, lung, and spleen had no lesion, but liver, kidney, and brain showed various lesions. Degenerative lesions like intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusions were seen in both kidney and liver but fatty change was seen only in liver. There was no relationship between severity of the liver lesions and drug dosage. Central chromatolysis, scattered neuronal necrosis, and mild spongy changes were observed in five regions of the brain that were chosen for sectioning (motor cortex, cerebellar nuclei, midbrain nuclei, and hindbrain nuclei at two separate levels). Severity of lesions in brain was dose-dependent, and cerebral cortex was the most vulnerable area. Haematologic tests showed lower values for hematocrit and red blood cell count dose-dependently. In conclusion, artemisinin is a promising drug for prevention and control of coccidiosis in broiler chickens and its side effects are not too much serious especially at therapeutic doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Ali Shahbazfar
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
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Adebayo JO, Krettli AU. Potential antimalarials from Nigerian plants: a review. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2011; 133:289-302. [PMID: 21093570 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2010.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2010] [Revised: 11/08/2010] [Accepted: 11/11/2010] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Malaria, caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium, is one of the leading infectious diseases in many tropical regions, including Nigeria, a West African country where transmission occurs all year round. Many of the inhabitants use plants as remedies against fever and other symptoms of acute malaria, as reported herein. Some of these plants have their antimalarial efficacies scientifically demonstrated and the active compounds isolated with their probable mechanisms of action studied. Medicinal plants are used to treat diseases also where the biodiversity of plants occur in parallel with endemic transmission of malaria. This review focuses on medicinal plants which are used to treat malaria in Nigeria, and on antimalarial testing of extracts and purified compounds from plants. Some show intense activity against malaria parasites in vitro and in experimentally infected mice. The search for new drugs based on plants is important due to the emergence and widespread of chloroquine-resistant and multiple drug-resistant malaria parasites, which require the development of new antimalarials. An acquaintance with antimalarial plants may be a springboard for new phytotherapies that could be affordable to treat malaria, especially among the less privileged native people living in endemic areas of the tropics, mostly at risk of this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- J O Adebayo
- Laboratorio de Malaria, Centro de Pesquisas Rene Rachou, FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil.
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Abstract
CONTEXT Medicinal plants are nature's gift to human beings to make disease free healthy life, and play a vital role to preserve our health. They are believed to be much safer and proven elixir in the treatment of various ailments. The genus Artemisia (Astraceae) consists of about 500 species, occurring throughout the world. The present review comprises the ethnopharmacological, phytochemical and therapeutic potential of various species of Artemisia. OBJECTIVE The aim of this this review is to bring together most of the available scientific research conducted on the genus Artemisia, which is currently scattered across various publications. Through this review the authors hope to attract the attention of natural product researchers throughout the world to focus on the unexplored potential of Artemisia species. METHODS This review has been compiled using references from major databases such as Chemical Abstracts, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Abstracts, ScienceDirect, SciFinder, PubMed, King's American Dispensatory, Henriette's Herbal Homepage, Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases. RESULTS An exhaustive survey of literature revealed that the different species of Artemisia have a vast range of biological activities including antimalarial, cytotoxic, antihepatotoxic, antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activity. Some very important drug leads have been discovered from this genus, notably artemisinin, the well known antimalarial drug isolated from the Chinese herb Artemisia annua. Terpenoids, flavonoids, coumarins, caffeoylquinic acids, sterols and acetylenes constitute major classes of phytoconstituents of the genus. CONCLUSION Various species of Artemisia seems to hold great potential for in-depth investigation for various biological activities, especially their effects on the central nervous and cardiovascular systems.
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Investigation of reproductive toxicity of piperaquine in mice. Reprod Toxicol 2010; 29:206-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2009.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2009] [Revised: 10/19/2009] [Accepted: 10/28/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Efferth T, Kaina B. Toxicity of the antimalarial artemisinin and its dervatives. Crit Rev Toxicol 2010; 40:405-21. [DOI: 10.3109/10408441003610571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Costa I, Angeloni M, Santana L, Barbosa B, Silva M, Rodrigues A, Rostkowsa C, Magalhães P, Pena J, Silva D, Mineo J, Ferro E. Azithromycin Inhibits Vertical Transmission of Toxoplasma gondii in Calomys callosus (Rodentia: Cricetidae). Placenta 2009; 30:884-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2009.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2009] [Revised: 08/03/2009] [Accepted: 08/04/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Li Q, Si Y, Xie L, Zhang J, Weina P. Severe embryolethality of artesunate related to pharmacokinetics following intravenous and intramuscular doses in pregnant rats. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 86:385-93. [DOI: 10.1002/bdrb.20207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Evaluation of the developmental toxicity of artemether during different phases of rat pregnancy. Food Chem Toxicol 2009; 47:1437-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2009.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2008] [Revised: 03/04/2009] [Accepted: 03/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Craft JC. Challenges facing drug development for malaria. Curr Opin Microbiol 2008; 11:428-33. [PMID: 18824124 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2008.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2008] [Accepted: 09/02/2008] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the developing world. Until recently malaria was winning but with increase in funding particularly from philanthropic groups the ability to control malaria is again possible. There are still many challenges to developing the next generations of anti-malarials. This article will briefly discuss the challenges and the advance that are being made.
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