Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions of morin and cyclosporin

Evaluation of Ulcer Protective Activity of Morus alba L. Extract-Loaded Chitosan Microspheres in Ethanol-Induced Ulcer in Rat Model

Due to an unhealthy lifestyle, gastric ulcers have become a very common disease these days. Moreover, the side effects linked with the prolonged use of conventional treatments have shifted the paradigm towards herbal therapies. The leaves of Morus alba L. (Family-Moraceae) have been traditionally used for a large number of metabolic diseases. In the present research, we focused on the development of chitosan microspheres using extracts of leaves of Morus alba L. and their evaluation for gastroprotective efficacy against ethanol-induced ulcers in experimental rats. The process of development of M. alba extract microsphere (MEM) is also optimized using the Box-Behnken design. The formulation was prepared at optimized conditions (chitosan concentration (1.66% w/w), volume of glutaraldehyde (4.69 mL), and stirrer rotation per minute, RPM, 854.8), and the percentage yield (Y ₁) of the resulted microspheres is ∼95% with an encapsulation efficiency (EE) of (Y _2(rutin)) ∼86%, Y _2(quercetin)) ∼85%, and particle size (Y ₃) of ∼40 µm. The MEM prepared at optimized conditions can also be characterized for various parameters to ensure the uniformity of parameters. Also, the drug release studies indicated that the percentage release of rutin and quercetin from MEM was enhanced as compared to M. alba extract (ME) alone. Furthermore, in vivo analysis of the antiulcer potential of pretreatment with ME and MEM (500 mg/kg p.o.) in rats indicated that mucosal lesions, gastric juice volume, and total acidity were significantly altered as compared to ethanol-treated animals. Histopathology of tissue sections also confirmed the protection of gastric mucosa on pretreatment with MEM at 500 mg/kg p.o. On the basis of these findings, we can conclude that prepared microspheres can be used to develop a sustained release formulation of extract for the management of gastric ulcers. However, additional research is needed to establish the specific mechanisms of M. alba's antiulcer efficacy.

Effect and underlying mechanism of morin on the pharmacokinetics of diclofenac sodium in rats

1. Morin, a natural flavonol, is present in many plants. It has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities and is often used as an adjuvant treatment for arthritis. Diclofenac sodium is the first-choice drug in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. However, the herb-drug interaction (HDI) between morin and diclofenac sodium remains unclear.2. The aim of the present research was to investigate whether and how morin affect the pharmacokinetic profile of diclofenac sodium.3. The enzyme kinetic and pharmacokinetic studies showed that morin significantly accelerated the metabolism and reduced systemic exposure of diclofenac sodium. Interestingly, the effect of morin on the pharmacokinetic profile of diclofenac sodium was not in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, the effect of morin on P-glycoprotein (P-gp) was further investigated.4. The results implied that the influence mechanism of morin on the pharmacokinetic of diclofenac sodium might be related to CYP2C9 and P-gp. Attention should be paid to the risk of HDI between morin and diclofenac sodium in clinical practice.

Designing of fatty acid-surfactant conjugate based nanomicelles of morin hydrate for simultaneously enhancing anticancer activity and oral bioavailability

Morin hydrate (MH) is a naturally occurring polyphenolic flavonol compound. It has been recently investigated for its many biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, antiarthritic, antifertility, antiplasmodic and anticancer. Though these outcomes are very promising, its low aqueous solubility and oral bioavailability restrict its clinical uses. Therefore, in this study we report pluronic F68 and stearic acid conjugated (F68-SA) nanomicelles for increasing oral bioavailability of MH. The MH loaded F68-SA nanomicelles (MHNM) were prepared by the solvent evaporation method. The MHNM were extensively characterized for the size, surface charge, stability, morphology, critical micelle concentration, drug content, and in-vitro drug release. The cell viability assay depicted a significant increase in cytotoxicity of MH against A549 human lung cancer cells after incubating as MHNM. Exposure of A549 cells to MHNM induced cell apoptosis in the cells as observed in apoptosis studies. Pharmacokinetic studies in Sprague-Dawley rats revealed that MHNM significantly increased the oral bioavailability of MH as compared to pure drug. Therefore, the novel, surfactant-lipid based micellar system is an effective solubilizing and delivering system for oral administration of poorly water soluble drugs like MH.

Gastroprotective Value of Berries: Evidences from Methanolic Extracts of Morus nigra and Rubus niveus Fruits

This study evaluated the gastroprotective value of the methanol extracts from fruits of Morus nigra L. (black mulberry (MEMN)) and Rubus niveus Thunb (raspberry (MERN)). The total phenolic compounds and flavonoids were measured, as well as the in vitro 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenger activity. The gastroprotective effects of the extracts against 60% ethanol/0.3 M HCl were evaluated in mice. After that, the lipid hydroperoxides and reduced glutathione levels at ulcerated tissue were determined. The effects of extracts on H⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity were also verified. The extracts exhibited high contents of polyphenols; however, MERN presented 1.5-fold higher levels. The presence of flavonoids also was confirmed. In addition, MEMN (IC₅₀ = 13.74 μg/mL) and MERN (IC₅₀ = 14.97 μg/mL) scavenged DPPH radical. The MEMN reduced the ulcer area only at 300 mg/kg (p.o.) by 64.06%. Interestingly, MERN decreased the ulcer area in a superior potency (ED₅₀ = 20.88 mg/kg), reducing the ulcer area by 81.86% at 300 mg/kg, and increased the gastric mucin levels. The antioxidant effects of extracts were evidenced by reduced lipoperoxides and increased reduction of glutathione amount in the gastric mucosa. However, MEMN or MERN did not change the H⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity. These results confirm that M. nigra and R. niveus are berries with a gastroprotective value by strengthening of gastric protective factors.

Morin Attenuates Streptococcus suis Pathogenicity in Mice by Neutralizing Suilysin Activity

Streptococcus suis, a Gram-positive pathogen, is widely recognized as an important agent of swine infection, and it is also known to cause a variety of zoonoses, such as meningitis, polyarthritis and pneumonia. Suilysin (SLY), an extracellular pore-forming toxin that belongs to the cholesterol-dependent cytolysin family, is an essential virulence factor of S. suis capsular type 2 (SS2). Here, we found that morin hydrate (morin), a natural flavonoid that lacks anti-SS2 activity, inhibits the hemolytic activity of SLY, protects J774 cells from SS2-induced injury and protects mice from SS2 infection. Further, by molecular modeling and mutational analysis, we found that morin binds to the "stem" domain 2 in SLY and hinders its transformation from the monomer form to the oligomer form, which causes the loss of SLY activity. Our study demonstrates that morin hinders the cell lysis activity of SLY through a novel mechanism of interrupting the heptamer formation. These findings may lead to the development of promising therapeutic candidates for the treatment of SS2 infections.

1-Deoxynojirimycin: Occurrence, Extraction, Chemistry, Oral Pharmacokinetics, Biological Activities and In Silico Target Fishing

1-Deoxynojirimycin (DNJ, C₆H13NO₄, 163.17 g/mol), an alkaloid azasugar or iminosugar, is a biologically active natural compound that exists in mulberry leaves and Commelina communis (dayflower) as well as from several bacterial strains such as Bacillus and Streptomyces species. Deoxynojirimycin possesses antihyperglycemic, anti-obesity, and antiviral features. Therefore, the aim of this detailed review article is to summarize the existing knowledge on occurrence, extraction, purification, determination, chemistry, and bioactivities of DNJ, so that researchers may use it to explore future perspectives of research on DNJ. Moreover, possible molecular targets of DNJ will also be investigated using suitable in silico approach.

Evaluation of Toxicity and Antimicrobial Activity of an Ethanolic Extract from Leaves of Morus alba L. (Moraceae)

This work evaluated an ethanolic extract from Morus alba leaves for toxicity to Artemia salina, oral toxicity to mice, and antimicrobial activity. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of coumarins, flavonoids, tannins, and triterpenes in the extract, which did not show toxicity to A. salina nauplii. No mortality and behavioral alterations were detected for mice treated with the extract (300 and 2000 mg/kg b.w.) for 14 days. However, animals that received the highest dose showed reduced MCV and MCHC as well as increased serum alkaline phosphatase activity. In treatments with the extract at both 300 and 2000 mg/kg, there was a reduction in number of leukocytes, with decrease in percentage of lymphocytes and increase in proportion of segmented cells. Histopathological analysis of organs from mice treated with the extract at 2000 mg/kg revealed turgidity of contorted tubules in kidneys, presence of leukocyte infiltration around the liver centrilobular vein, and high dispersion of the spleen white pulp. The extract showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida tropicalis, and Aspergillus flavus. In conclusion, the extract contains antimicrobial agents and was not lethal for mice when ingested; however, its use requires caution because it promoted biochemical, hematological, and histopathological alterations.

Improved 1-Deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) production in mulberry leaves fermented by microorganism

DNJ, an inhibitor of α-glucosidase, is used to suppress the elevation of postprandial hyperglycemia. In this study, we focus on screening an appropriate microorganism for performing fermentation to improve DNJ content in mulberry leaf. Results showed that Ganoderma lucidum was selected from 8 species and shown to be the most effective in improvement of DNJ production from mulberry leaves through fermentation. Based on single factor and three factor influence level tests by following the Plackett-Burman design, the optimum extraction yield was analyzed by response surface methodology (RSM). The extracted DNJ was determined by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatograph equipped with fluorescence detector (HPLC-FD). The results of RSM showed that the optimal condition for mulberry fermentation was defined as pH 6.97, potassium nitrate content 0.81% and inoculums volume 2 mL. The extraction efficiency reached to 0.548% in maximum which is 2.74 fold of those in mulberry leaf.

Pharmacokinetic drug interactions between apigenin, rutin and paclitaxel mediated by P-glycoprotein in rats

The aim of present study was to investigate the effects of apigenin and rutin on the pharmacokinetics of paclitaxel after oral administration of paclitaxel with apigenin and rutin to rats. Paclitaxel (40 mg/kg) was administered orally alone and in combination with apigenin and rutin (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) for 15 consecutive days. In the single-dose pharmacokinetic study (SDS), blood samples were collected on 1st day whereas on 15th day in the multiple-dose pharmacokinetic study (MDS). The plasma concentrations of paclitaxel were increased dose-dependently in the combination of apigenin and rutin compared to that of paclitaxel control in SDS and MDS (p < 0.01). The areas under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) and the plasma peak concentrations (C max) of paclitaxel with apigenin and rutin were significantly higher (p < 0.01) than that of the control. The AUCs and C max of paclitaxel were increased with apigenin and rutin in the dose-dependent manner. The half-life (t 1/2) was significantly longer than that of the control. Non-everted sacs were filled with paclitaxel 100 μM in the presence and absence of verapamil (50 μM), apigenin, and rutin (50, 100 μM) and incubated at 37 ºC for 60 min. The absorption of paclitaxel was increased in the presence of apigenin, rutin, and verapamil, a typical P-glycoprotein and Cyp3A4 inhibitor. If these results are confirmed in humans in a clinical setting, the paclitaxel dose should be adjusted when it is given concomitantly with apigenin and rutin.

Mulberry ( sang shèn zǐ) and its bioactive compounds, the chemoprevention effects and molecular mechanisms in vitro and in vivo

Mulberry ( sāng shèn zǐ), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in Taiwan, has many bioactive substances, including polyphenol and anthocyanins compounds. Over the past decade, many scientific and medical studies have examined mulberry fruit for its antioxidation and antiinflammation effects both in vitro and in vivo. This review thus focuses on the recent advances of mulberry extracts (MEs) and their applications in the prevention and treatment of human cancer, liver disease, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The ME modulates several apoptotic pathways and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) to block cancer progression. Mulberry can increase detoxicated and antioxidant enzyme activities and regulate the lipid metabolism to treat hepatic disease resulting from alcohol consumption, high fat diet, lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and CCl4 exposure. Of the various compounds in ME, cyanidin 3-glucoside (C3G) is the most abundant, and the active compound studied in mulberry research. Herein, the antioxidant and antiinflammatory actions of C3G to improve diabetes and cardiovascular disease are also discussed. These studies provide strong evidence ME may possess the bioactivity to affect the pathogenesis of several chronic diseases.

A six-month supplementation of mulberry, korean red ginseng, and banaba decreases biomarkers of systemic low-grade inflammation in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes

We sought the long-term efficacy of traditionally used antidiabetic herbs in controlling blood glucose homeostasis and low-grade inflammation. Ninety-four subjects with either impaired glucose tolerance or mild T2D were randomized either to treatment arm or placebo arm and received 1 : 1 : 1 mixture of ginseng roots, mulberry leaf water extract, and banaba leaf water extract (6 g/d) for 24 weeks. Oral 75 g glucose tolerance test was performed to measure glucose and insulin responses. Blood biomarkers of low-grade inflammation were also determined. Results found no significant difference in glucose homeostasis control measure changes. However, plasma intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) concentration was decreased showing a significant between-treatment changes (P = 0.037). The concentrations of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) (P = 0.014) and ICAM-1 (P = 0.048) were decreased in the treatment group at week 24, and the oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) concentration was reduced at week 24 compared to the baseline value in the treatment group (P = 0.003). These results indicate a long-term supplementation of ginseng, mulberry leaf, and banaba leaf suppresses inflammatory responses in T2D.

The interactive effect of exercise and immunosuppressant cyclosporin A on immune function in mice

Cyclosporin A (CsA) is an effective immunosuppressive agent and exerts its actions by interfering with the activation of T cells. There is growing evidence that regular exercise improves immune function. However, the effects of exercise on immune functions in patients taking CsA are unclear. Here, we examine the interactive effects of CsA administration and regular exercise on immune function in mice. Forty-eight BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to one of six groups with eight mice per group: 0-Ex (no CsA/no exercise), 0 + Ex (no CsA + exercise), 10-Ex (10 mg kg(-1) day(-1) CsA/no exercise), 10 + Ex (10 mg kg(-1) day(-1) CsA + exercise), 20-Ex (20 mg kg(-1) day(-1) CsA/no exercise), and 20 + Ex (20 mg kg(-1) day(-1) CsA + exercise). The three exercise groups were trained for 8 weeks, three times a week, at approximately 75% maximum oxygen uptake (VO(2max)). Nitric oxide and interferon-gamma secretions by mitogen-activated macrophages and spleen cells, respectively, were higher in exercise groups than in non-exercise groups receiving the same doses of CsA. The results of this study indicate that regular exercise may enhance Type I helper T cell functions in mice receiving 10 or 20 mg kg(-1) day(-1) CsA. Our results demonstrate that moderate regular exercise modulates the immune function of CsA-treated mice. However, whether this exercise-induced immunomodulatory effect is beneficial or detrimental to CsA-treated patients needs to be clarified.

Multiwavelength Spectrophotometric Determination of Acidity Constants of Morin in Methanol-Water Mixtures

The acid-base properties of morin (2',3,4',5,7-pentahydroxyflavone) in mixtures of methanol- water at 25 °C and an ionic strength of 0.1 M are studied by a multiwavelength spectrophotometric method. To evaluate the pH-absorbance data, a resolution method based on the combination of soft- and hard-modeling is applied. The acidity constants of all related equilibria are estimated using the whole spectral fitting of the collected data to an established factor analysis model. DATAN program was used for determination of acidity constants. The corresponding pKa values in methanol-water mixtures were determined. There is a linear relationship between acidity constants and the mole fraction of methanol in the solvent mixtures. The effect of solvent properties on acid-base behavior is discussed.