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Li S, Lin X, Duan L. Harnessing the power of natural alkaloids: the emergent role in epilepsy therapy. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1418555. [PMID: 38962319 PMCID: PMC11220463 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1418555] [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: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The quest for effective epilepsy treatments has spotlighted natural alkaloids due to their broad neuropharmacological effects. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the antiseizure properties of various natural compounds, with an emphasis on their mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic benefits. Our findings reveal that bioactive substances such as indole, quinoline, terpenoid, and pyridine alkaloids confer medicinal benefits by modulating synaptic interactions, restoring neuronal balance, and mitigating neuroinflammation-key factors in managing epileptic seizures. Notably, these compounds enhance GABAergic neurotransmission, diminish excitatory glutamatergic activities, particularly at NMDA receptors, and suppress proinflammatory pathways. A significant focus is placed on the strategic use of nanoparticle delivery systems to improve the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of these alkaloids, which helps overcome the challenges associated with crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The review concludes with a prospective outlook on integrating these bioactive substances into epilepsy treatment regimes, advocating for extensive research to confirm their efficacy and safety. Advancing the bioavailability of alkaloids and rigorously assessing their toxicological profiles are essential to fully leverage the therapeutic potential of these compounds in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Trial Center, West China School of Nursing, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinyu Lin
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Lijuan Duan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Trial Center, West China School of Nursing, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Tabassum S, Shorter S, Ovsepian SV. Analysis of the action mechanisms and targets of herbal anticonvulsants highlights opportunities for therapeutic engagement with refractory epilepsy. J Mol Med (Berl) 2024; 102:761-771. [PMID: 38653825 PMCID: PMC11106186 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-024-02445-5] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by spontaneous and recurring seizures. It poses significant therapeutic challenges due to diverse etiology, pathobiology, and pharmacotherapy-resistant variants. The anticonvulsive effects of herbal leads with biocompatibility and toxicity considerations have attracted much interest, inspiring mechanistic analysis with the view of their use for engagement of new targets and combination with antiseizure pharmacotherapies. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the key molecular players and putative action mechanisms of the most common antiepileptic herbals demonstrated in tissue culture and preclinical models. From the review of the literature, it emerges that their effects are mediated via five distinct mechanisms: (1) reduction of membrane excitability through inhibition of cation channels, (2) improvement of mitochondrial functions with antioxidant effects, (3) enhancement in synaptic transmission mediated by GABAA receptors, (4) improvement of immune response with anti-inflammatory action, and (5) suppression of protein synthesis and metabolism. While some of the primary targets and action mechanisms of herbal anticonvulsants (1, 3) are shared with antiseizure pharmacotherapies, herbal leads also engage with distinct mechanisms (2, 4, and 5), suggesting new drug targets and opportunities for their integration with antiseizure medications. Addressing outstanding questions through research and in silico modeling should facilitate the future use of herbals as auxiliary therapy in epilepsy and guide the development of treatment of pharmacoresistant seizures through rigorous trials and regulatory approval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sobia Tabassum
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Susan Shorter
- Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich London, Chatham Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB, UK
| | - Saak V Ovsepian
- Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich London, Chatham Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB, UK.
- Faculty of Medicine, Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi, 0177, Republic of Georgia.
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Challal S, Skiba A, Langlois M, Esguerra CV, Wolfender JL, Crawford AD, Skalicka-Woźniak K. Natural product-derived therapies for treating drug-resistant epilepsies: From ethnopharmacology to evidence-based medicine. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 317:116740. [PMID: 37315641 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent neurological human diseases, affecting 1% of the population in all age groups. Despite the availability of over 25 anti-seizure medications (ASMs), which are approved in most industrialized countries, approximately 30% of epilepsy patients still experience seizures that are resistant to these drugs. Since ASMs target only limited number of neurochemical mechanisms, drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) is not only an unmet medical need, but also a formidable challenge in drug discovery. AIM In this review, we examine recently approved epilepsy drugs based on natural product (NP) such as cannabidiol (CBD) and rapamycin, as well as NP-based epilepsy drug candidates still in clinical development, such as huperzine A. We also critically evaluate the therapeutic potential of botanical drugs as polytherapy or adjunct therapy specifically for DRE. METHODS Articles related to ethnopharmacological anti-epileptic medicines and NPs in treating all forms of epilepsy were collected from PubMed and Scopus using keywords related to epilepsy, DRE, herbal medicines, and NPs. The database clinicaltrials.gov was used to find ongoing, terminated and planned clinical trials using herbal medicines or NPs in epilepsy treatment. RESULTS A comprehensive review on anti-epileptic herbal drugs and natural products from the ethnomedical literature is provided. We discuss the ethnomedical context of recently approved drugs and drug candidates derived from NPs, including CBD, rapamycin, and huperzine A. Recently published studies on natural products with preclinical efficacy in animal models of DRE are summarized. Moreover, we highlight that natural products capable of pharmacologically activating the vagus nerve (VN), such as CBD, may be therapeutically useful to treat DRE. CONCLUSIONS The review highlights that herbal drugs utilized in traditional medicine offer a valuable source of potential anti-epileptic drug candidates with novel mechanisms of action, and with clinical promise for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). Moreover, recently developed NP-based anti-seizure medications (ASMs) indicate the translational potential of metabolites of plant, microbial, fungal and animal origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soura Challal
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Switzerland; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Adrianna Skiba
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Poland
| | - Mélanie Langlois
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), Belval, Luxembourg
| | - Camila V Esguerra
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM), University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Jean-Luc Wolfender
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Switzerland; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alexander D Crawford
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Pathology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Ås, Norway; Institute for Orphan Drug Discovery, Bremerhavener Innovations- und Gründerzentum (BRIG), Bremerhaven, Germany
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Zhao C, Lu L, Liu W, Zhou D, Wu X. Complementary and alternative medicine for treating epilepsy in China: A systematic review. Acta Neurol Scand 2022; 146:775-785. [PMID: 36082744 DOI: 10.1111/ane.13701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
There are about 10 million people with epilepsy (PWE) in China. In addition to therapies approved by the National Medical Products Administration, the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is prevalent in Chines PWE. These CAM therapies mainly comprise traditional Chinese medicine herbs (TCMHs), acupuncture, and music. A retrospective literature search was performed to summarize the updates of CAM in China in the past ten years, and sixty-two papers were finally included. In this following review, we listed the animal and clinical studies to summarize the antiepileptic mechanisms and clinical efficacy of CAM in Chines PWE. The main mechanisms of TCMHs and acupuncture included regulation of neurotransmitters and receptors, voltage-gated ion channels modulation, expression of apoptosis-related genes, antioxidant response, and anti-inflammation. Although there were enormous clinical studies on them, the current available clinical trials were small, short-term, heterogeneous, and had a high risk of bias. With regard to music, a few studies conducted by Chinese scholars suggested that it was beneficial for PWE as an add-on therapy, which was consistent with the results of foreign studies. Further randomized clinical trials in large populations are required to prove the effectiveness and safety of CAM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyang Zhao
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wenyu Liu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dong Zhou
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xintong Wu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Gwedela MNV, Terai H, Lampiao F, Matsunami K, Aizawa H. Anti-seizure effects of medicinal plants in Malawi on pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in zebrafish larvae. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 284:114763. [PMID: 34688800 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Medicinal plants are used to manage and treat epilepsy in Malawi because of traditional beliefs and barriers to conventional anti-seizure drugs. Among the plants prescribed by traditional medical practitioners are Margaritaria discoidea, Dalbergia boehmii, Dalbergia nitidula, Catunaregam spinosa, and Lannea discolor. Despite the wide use of these plants, there is a lack of scientific evidence to support their anti-seizure efficacy. AIM OF THE STUDY This study used the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced larval zebrafish seizure model to screen for anti-seizure effects of a collection of medicinal plants traditionally used in Malawi. MATERIALS AND METHODS Zebrafish larvae were incubated in decoctions at maximum tolerated concentrations for 18 h and exposed to PTZ. As a primary screen, the effects of the decoctions on seizure-induced locomotor activity were determined. Decoctions that significantly reduced total distance traveled were further checked for effects on seizure latency and frequency, brain activity, immediate early gene expression, and c-fos protein expression. RESULTS M. discoidea male leaves, D. boehmii roots, and D. nitidula leaves showed significant anti-seizure effects in the primary screen and were selected for further study. Electrophysiological and immediate early gene analyses corroborated anti-seizure effect of D. boehmii and D. nitidula. The results of c-fos protein expression further suggested that the anti-seizure effects in the larval brain may be mediated by the suppression of neurons localized in midbrain regions. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide pioneering scientific evidence of the presence of anti-seizure activity in M. discoidea, D. boehmii, and D. nitidula, prescribed by traditional Malawian medical practitioners. Further studies are needed to identify and isolate compounds responsible for such biological activities and elucidate the possible mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayeso Naomi Victoria Gwedela
- Department of Neurobiology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Haruhi Terai
- Department of Neurobiology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Fanuel Lampiao
- Africa Centre of Excellence in Public Health and Herbal Medicine, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Private Bag 360, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Katsuyoshi Matsunami
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Hidenori Aizawa
- Department of Neurobiology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan.
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Ishola IO, Akinleye MO, Afolayan OO, Okonkwo HE, Animashaun OT, Agbaje EO. Anticonvulsant Activity of Nymphaea Lotus Linn. Extract in Mice: the Role of GABAergic-glutamatergic Neurotransmission and Antioxidant Defense Mechanisms. Epilepsy Res 2022; 181:106871. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2022.106871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Lin CH, Hsieh CL. Chinese Herbal Medicine for Treating Epilepsy. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:682821. [PMID: 34276290 PMCID: PMC8284486 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.682821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chinese herbal medicine has a long history of use for treating epilepsy. Because of the side effects of Western antiepileptic therapy and the quest for more accessible treatment, complementary and alternative medicines have become popular. Traditional Chinese medical diet therapy appears to be safe and effective. We searched PubMed and the Cochrane Library through November 2020 for the use of traditional Chinese medicine in clinical settings, including plants, fungi, and animals. Combinations of keywords included “epilepsy,” “seizure,” “antiepileptic,” “anticonvulsive,” “Chinese herbal medicine,” “Chinese herb,” and each of the Latin names, English names, and scientific names of herbs. We also summarized the sources and functions of these herbs in Chinese medicine. Different herbs can be combined to increase antiepileptic effects through various mechanisms, including anti-inflammation, antioxidation, GABAergic effect enhancement, modulation of NMDA channels and sodium channel, and neuroprotection. Despite reports of their anticonvulsive effects, adequate experimental evidence and randomized controlled clinical trials are required to confirm their antiepileptic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Hui Lin
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Liang Hsieh
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Chinese Medicine Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Concepts, Beliefs, and Traditional Treatment for Childhood Seizures in a Quilombola Community in Northeastern Brazil: Analysis by the Discourse of the Collective Speech. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18041875. [PMID: 33671929 PMCID: PMC7919030 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Non-pharmacological therapy related to traditional, magical, and/or religious treatments for managing recurrent and non-recurrent seizures in children persists in several traditional communities. The research aims to investigate the concepts, beliefs, and types of traditional treatments used for cases of seizures in children reported by residents of a quilombola community. Methods: The research took place in the quilombo community Sítio Arruda, Ceará, northeastern Brazil. The study population consisted of 19 participants, including healers, prayers, and midwives. Applied a socioeconomic form and a semi-structured interview script. For data analysis, the Discourse of the Collective Speech (DCS) technique was used. Results: For the questions asked, a total of 14 central ideas were found. The most prevalent was seizure is the most common type of disease in children (50.0%); The seizure occurs because of the fever (42.0%); In the community, we treat and prevent seizures with the use of plants (63.2%). Conclusions: The present study’s results addressed relevant issues that include valuing and understanding the traditional knowledge of the community, access to health services, and the need for clarification actions about seizures.
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9
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Hong Y, Deng N, Jin HN, Xuan ZZ, Qian YX, Wu ZY, Xie W. Saikosaponin A modulates remodeling of Kv4.2-mediated A-type voltage-gated potassium currents in rat chronic temporal lobe epilepsy. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2018; 12:2945-2958. [PMID: 30254424 PMCID: PMC6141107 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s166408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Chronic temporal lobe epilepsy (cTLE) is the most common intractable epilepsy. Recent studies have shown that saikosaponin A (SSa) could inhibit epileptiform discharges induced by 4 action potentials and selectively increase the transient inactivating K+ currents (IA). However, the mechanisms of SSa on IA remain unclear. In this study, we comprehensively evaluated the anticonvulsant activities of SSa and explored whether or not it plays an anti-epileptic role in a Li-pilocarpine induced epilepsy rat model via remodeling Kv4.2-mediated A-type voltage-gated potassium currents (Kv4.2-mediated IA). Materials and methods All in vitro spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS) were recorded with continuous video monitoring. Nissl’s staining was used to evaluate the SSa protection of neurons and immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and quantitative reverse transcription PCR were used to quantify the expression of Kchip1 and Kv4.2 in the hippocampal CA1 field and the adjacent cortex following Li-pilocarpine induced status epilepticus. We used whole-cell current-clamp recordings to evaluate the anticonvulsant activities of SSa in a hippocampal neuronal culture model of cTLE, while whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings were used to evaluate the modulatory effects of SSa on Kv4.2-mediated IA. Results SSa treatment significantly reduced the frequency and duration of SRS over the course of eight weeks and increased the production of Kchip1 and Kv4.2. In addition, SSa attenuated spontaneous recurrent epileptiform discharges (SREDs) in the hippocampal neuronal model and up-regulated Kv4.2-mediated IA. Conclusions SSa exerted a disease-modifying effect in our cTLE rat model both in vivo and in vitro; the increase in Kv4.2-mediated IA may contribute to the anticonvulsant mechanisms of SSa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Hong
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China, .,Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,
| | - Ning Deng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,
| | - Han-Na Jin
- Department of Internal Neurology, People's Hospital of Huizhou Zhongkai Hi-tech Industrial Development Zone, Huizhou, China
| | - Zheng-Zheng Xuan
- Neuroelectrophysiological Examination Room, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Xiao Qian
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,
| | - Zhi-Yong Wu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China, .,Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,
| | - Wei Xie
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China, .,Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,
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Wang CY, Ding HZ, Tang X, Li ZG. Effect of Liuweibuqi capsules on CD4 +CD25 +Foxp3 + regulatory T cells, helper T cells and lung function in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complicated with lung Qi deficiency. J Thorac Dis 2018; 10:2700-2711. [PMID: 29997932 DOI: 10.21037/jtd.2018.04.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is predicted to become the fifth leading cause of disability and the third leading cause of death around the world by 2020. Though it is potentially treatable and preventable, evidence of brain structural alterations in COPD remains sparse and conflicting. We aim to investigate the effect of Liuweibuqi capsules on CD4+CD25+ Forkhead box protein 3+ (Foxp3+) regulatory T cells (Tregs), helper T cells (Th) and lung function in patients with stable COPD complicated with lung Qi deficiency. Methods COPD patients with lung Qi deficiency [458] were assigned into non-smoking COPD (NS-COPD), non-smoking control (NS-control), smoking COPD (S-COPD) and smoking control (S-control) groups, and healthy volunteers [245] into the non-smoking healthy (NSH) and smoking healthy (SH) groups. Levels of inflammatory cytokines were detected by Enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). Contents of inflammatory cells, inflammatory marker, and CD4+CD25+Fox3+Tregs were measured by flow cytometry. FEV1/FVC (%) and FEV1 (%) were detected by pulmonary function test apparatus. Correlation between FEV1 (%) and Th1, Th2, Th17, Th1/Th2 or CD4+CD25+Fox3+Tregs was analyzed by Spearman rank correlation test. The related factors affecting treatment efficacy was assessed by logistic analysis. Results COPD patients and smoking people showed higher level of INF-γ, IL-4, IL-17, Th1, Th2, Th17 and Th1/Th2 but lower level of CD4+CD25+Fox3+Tregs. Liuweibuqi capsules could decrease level of inflammatory cells, cytokines, and markers (especially Th17 and IL-17), and increase level of CD4+CD25+Fox3+Tregs. FEV1 (%) negatively correlated with Th1, Th2, Th17 and Th1/Th2 but positively correlated with CD4+CD25+Fox3+Tregs, and smoking may strengthen their correlation, but Liuweibuqi capsules may weaker their correlation. Levels of inflammatory cytokines, cells, marker, CD4+CD25+Fox3+Tregs, FEV1/FVC (%), FEV1 (%), smoking and Liuweibuqi capsules are factors affecting efficacy. Conclusions Taken together, our data support the notion that smoking is an important factor to induce and aggravate COPD. Liuweibuqi capsules could stimulate proliferation of CD4+CD25+Fox3+Tregs and decrease Th17 expression to improve the lung function in stable COPD patients with lung Qi deficiency, and it had obvious efficacy for smoking COPD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Yang Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Huan-Zhang Ding
- Graduate School of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China
| | - Xiao Tang
- Graduate School of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China
| | - Ze-Geng Li
- Anhui Academy, Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
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Manchishi SM. Recent Advances in Antiepileptic Herbal Medicine. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 16:79-83. [PMID: 28521703 PMCID: PMC5771388 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666170518151809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Revised: 03/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide, with about 80 percent of cases thought to be in developing nations where it is mostly linked to superstition. The limited supply, high cost as well as low efficacy and adverse side effects of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is a matter of major concern. Herbal medicine has always been traditionally part of treatment of epilepsy. Herbal medicines are generally well tolerated, with fewer side effects. METHOD To highlight some herbal extracts that have been studied for their anticonvulsant activity in animal models, literature search from PubMed and Science Direct, was performed. The keywords for the search consisted of combinations of the following terms: Herbal antiepileptic and/or anticonvulsant, botanicals + epilepsy. Literature published in the last five years was considered. RESULTS Eighteen (18) anticonvulsant herbal agents are reported and discussed. Experiments mostly consisted of phenotypic screens in rodents, with little diversity in screening methods. In most experiments, the tested extracts prolonged the time to onset of seizures and decreased their duration. Most experimenters implicate potentiation of GABAergic activity as the mode of action of the extracts, even though some experimenters did not fully characterise the bioactive chemical composition of their extracts. CONCLUSION Potential herbal remedies have shown positive results in animal models. It remains unclear how many make it into clinical trials and eventually making part of the AED list. More rigorous research, applying strict research methodology with uniform herbal combinations, as well as clinical studies are urgently needed.
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Mundo J, Villeda-Hernández J, Herrera-Ruiz M, Gutiérrez MDC, Arellano-García J, León-Rivera I, Perea-Arango I. Neuropharmacological and neuroprotective activities of some metabolites produced by cell suspension culture of Waltheria americana Linn. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 94:129-139. [PMID: 28759750 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.07.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Waltheria americana is a plant used in Mexican traditional medicine to treat some nervous system disorders. The aims of the present study were to isolate and determine the neuropharmacological and neurprotective activities of metabolites produced by a cell suspension culture of Waltheria americana. Submerged cultivation of W. americana cells provided biomass. A methanol-soluble extract (WAsc) was obtained from biomass. WAsc was fractionated yielding the chromatographic fractions 4WAsc-H2O and WAsc-CH2Cl2. For the determination of anticonvulsant activity in vivo, seizures were induced in mice by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ). Neuropharmacological activities (release of gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) and neuroprotection) of chromatographic fractions were determined by in vitro histological analysis of brain sections of mice post mortem. Fraction 4WAsc-H2O (containing saccharides) did not produce neuronal damage, neurodegeneration, interstitial tissue edema, astrocytic activation, nor cell death. Pretreatment of animals with 4WAsc-H2O and WAsc-CH2Cl2 from W. americana cell suspensions induced an increase in: GABA release, seizure latency, survival time, neuroprotection, and a decrease in the degree of severity of tonic/tonic-clonic convulsions, preventing PTZ-induced death of up to 100% of animals of study. Bioactive compounds produced in suspension cell culture of W. americana produce neuroprotective and neuropharmacological activities associated with the GABAergic neurotransmission system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Mundo
- Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Avenida Universidad 1001, Col. Chamilpa, 62209 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Juana Villeda-Hernández
- Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía "Manuel Velasco Suárez", Insurgentes Sur No. 3877, Tlalpan, La Fama, 14269 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Maribel Herrera-Ruiz
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Sur, IMSS, Argentina 1, Col. Centro, Xochitepec, Morelos, Mexico
| | - María Del Carmen Gutiérrez
- Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Avenida Universidad 1001, Col. Chamilpa, 62209 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Jesús Arellano-García
- Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Avenida Universidad 1001, Col. Chamilpa, 62209 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Ismael León-Rivera
- Centro de Investigaciones Químicas, IICBA, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Avenida Universidad 1001, Col. Chamilpa, 62209 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.
| | - Irene Perea-Arango
- Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Avenida Universidad 1001, Col. Chamilpa, 62209 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.
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Calil Brondani J, Reginato FZ, da Silva Brum E, de Souza Vencato M, Lima Lhamas C, Viana C, da Rocha MIUM, de Freitas Bauermann L, Manfron MP. Evaluation of acute and subacute toxicity of hydroethanolic extract of Dolichandra unguis-cati L. leaves in rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2017; 202:147-153. [PMID: 28288826 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Revised: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Dolichandra unguis-cati L. is a native climbing plant of Brazil, popularly known as "unha de gato". It has been traditionally used mainly as an antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor agent, yet little toxicological information is found in the literature. AIM OF THE STUDY To identify the chemical composition of the hydroethanolic extract obtained from the leaves of Dolichandra uniguis-cati and to evaluate the acute and subacute toxicity in male and female rats, in order to assess the safety profile of this plant. MATERIALS AND METHODS In the acute study, a single dose (2000mg/kg) of the extract was orally administered to male and female rats. In the subacute study, the extract was orally administered to male and female rats at doses 100, 200 and 400mg/kg for 28 days. Behavioral changes, catalase and tbars evaluations, biochemical, hematological and histopathological analysis were determined. The extract' chemical composition was accessed through UHPLC/MS. RESULTS Chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, vanillinic acid, p-coumaric acid, rosmarinic acid, trans-cinnamic acid, luteolin, apigenin, quercitrin and quercetin were identified in the extract. In the acute treatment, the extract was classified as safe (category 5), according to the OECD guide. In relation to the subacute study, females showed a reduction in AST (100, 200 and 400mg/kg), ALT (200mg/kg) and BUN (100 and 200mg/kg) levels, while male rats 400mg/kg presented an increase in AST levels. The Chol dosage significantly decreased in female rats in a dose-dependent manner, whereas for male rats this parameter showed no statistically significant reductions. No behavioral and histopathological changes were recorded. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that the hydroethanolic extract of Dolichandra unguis-cati leaves did not present relevant toxic effects when administered orally to male and female rats. The extract also showed a potential hypocholesterolemic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Calil Brondani
- Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
| | - Fernanda Ziegler Reginato
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Evelyne da Silva Brum
- Department of Histology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Marina de Souza Vencato
- Department of Histology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Cibele Lima Lhamas
- Veterinary Hospital, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Carine Viana
- Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | - Melânia Palermo Manfron
- Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
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Abstract
An emerging strategy for finding new epilepsy therapies is focused on botanicals (as illustrated by recent attention to medical marijuana), given their centuries-old traditions of use in treatment of convulsive seizures, contemporary anecdotal reports of efficacy in persons with epilepsy, and identification of underlying mechanisms of action that are relevant to epilepsy. Hundreds of plant extracts have been found to block seizures in acute animal seizure models, with actions that include effects on GABA receptors and voltage-gated ion channels as well as anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. While existing published clinical studies of botanicals and seizure control are generally of inadequate quality to determine safety and efficacy, recent developments at the FDA may encourage sponsors to develop and commercialize botanicals for epilepsy.
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Elsas SM, Sucher NJ. Botanicals for epilepsy. Preface. Epilepsy Behav 2015; 52:279-80. [PMID: 26470603 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2015.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Siegward M Elsas
- Neurology and Research, Klinik Arlesheim, 4144 Arlesheim, Switzerland; Institute of Integrative Medicine, Integrative and Anthroposophic Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, 58313 Herdecke, Germany
| | - Nikolaus J Sucher
- Science Department, Roxbury Community College, MA, USA; FLAS, Northern Essex Community College, MA, USA; Biology Department, Salem State University, MA, USA.
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