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An updated review on the antimicrobial and pharmacological properties of the genus Uncaria (Rubiaceae). J Herb Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2022.100573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Hajipour S, Farbood Y, Dianat M, Rashno M, Khorsandi LS, Sarkaki A. Thymoquinone improves cognitive and hippocampal long-term potentiation deficits due to hepatic encephalopathy in rats. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2021; 24:881-891. [PMID: 34712417 PMCID: PMC8528250 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2021.52824.11913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neuropsychiatric syndrome that causes brain disturbances. Thymoquinone (TQ) has a wide spectrum of activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of TQ on spatial memory and hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) in rats with thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver injury and hepatic encephalopathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Adult male Wistar rats were divided into six groups randomly: 1) Control; 2) HE, received TAA (200 mg/kg); 3-5) Treated groups (HE+TQ5, HE+TQ10, and HE+TQ20). TQ (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally (IP) for 12 consecutive days from day 18 to 29. Subsequently, spatial memory performance was evaluated by the Morris water maze paradigm and hippocampal LTP was recorded from the dentate gyrus (DG) region. Activity levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured in the hippocampal tissue. RESULTS Data showed that the hippocampal content of MDA was increased while SOD activities were decreased in TAA-induced HE. TQ treatment significantly improved spatial memory and LTP. Moreover, TQ restored the levels of MDA and SOD activities in the hippocampal tissue in HE rats. CONCLUSION Our data confirm that TQ could attenuate cognitive impairment and improve LTP deficit by modulating the oxidative stress parameters in this model of HE, which leads to impairment of spatial cognition and LTP deficit. Thus, these results suggest that TQ may be a promising agent with positive therapeutic effects against liver failure and HE defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Hajipour
- Persian Gulf Physiology Research Center. Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Yaghoob Farbood
- Persian Gulf Physiology Research Center. Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mahin Dianat
- Persian Gulf Physiology Research Center. Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rashno
- Department of Immunology, Cellular & Molecular Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of
| | | | - Alireza Sarkaki
- Persian Gulf Physiology Research Center. Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Cellular & Molecular Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University
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Zhang JG, Huang XY, Ma YB, Chen JJ, Geng CA. UFLC-PDA-MS/MS Profiling of Seven Uncaria Species Integrated with Melatonin/5-Hydroxytryptamine Receptors Agonistic Assay. NATURAL PRODUCTS AND BIOPROSPECTING 2020; 10:23-36. [PMID: 31933166 PMCID: PMC7046893 DOI: 10.1007/s13659-020-00230-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis (Gou-Teng), the dried hook-bearing stems of several Uncaria plants (Rubiaceae), is a well-known herbal medicine in China. The clinical application of Gou-Teng is bewildered for the morphological and chemical similarity between different species. In order to discern their chemical and biological difference, an ultra-fast liquid chromatography equipped with ion trap time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UFLC-IT/TOF-MS) combining with melatonin (MT1 and MT2) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT1A and 5-HT2C) receptors agonistic assay in vitro was conducted on seven Uncaria species. As a result, 57 compounds including 35 indole alkaloids, ten flavonoids, five triterpenoids, five chlorogenic analogues, and two other compounds were characterized based on their MS/MS patterns and UV absorptions. Specifically, cadambine-type and corynanthein-type alkaloids were exclusively present in U.rhynchophylla and U.scandens, whereas corynoxine-type alkaloids were commonly detected in all the seven Uncaria plants. Three Uncaria species, U. rhynchophylla, U. macrophylla, and U. yunnanensis showed obviously agnostic activity on four neurotransmitter receptors (MT1, MT2, 5-HT1A, and 5-HT2C). This first-time UFLCMS-IT-TOF analyses integrated with biological assay on seven Uncaria plants will provide scientific viewpoints for the clinical application of Gou-Teng.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Gang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, 132# Lanhei Road, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, 132# Lanhei Road, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun-Bao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, 132# Lanhei Road, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ji-Jun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, 132# Lanhei Road, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Chang-An Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, 132# Lanhei Road, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, People's Republic of China.
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Chrysin prevents cognitive and hippocampal long-term potentiation deficits and inflammation in rat with cerebral hypoperfusion and reperfusion injury. Life Sci 2019; 226:202-209. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Memory deficits and hippocampal inflammation in cerebral hypoperfusion and reperfusion in male rats: Neuroprotective role of vanillic acid. Life Sci 2018; 211:126-132. [PMID: 30195619 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.08.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of neurological deterioration and mortality worldwide. Neuroprotective strategies are being investigated to minimize cognitive deficits after ischemic events. Here we investigated the neuroprotective potential of vanillic acid (VA) in an animal model of transient bilateral common carotid artery occlusion and reperfusion (BCCAO/R). Adult male Wistar rats (250-300 g) were randomly divided in 4 groups and submitted to either cerebral hypoperfusion-reperfusion or a sham surgery after two-weeks of pretreatment with VA and/or normal saline. To induce the animal model of hypoperfusion, bilateral common carotid arteries were occluded (2VO model) for 30 min, followed by 72 h of reperfusion. Subsequently, their cognitive performance was evaluated in a Morris water maze (MWM) test, and also hippocampi were removed for ELISA assays and TUNEL staining test. The results showed that 2VO significantly reduced the spatial memory performance in MWM. As well as, BCCAO/R increased the level of IL-6, TNF-α and TUNEL positive cells, and also decreased the contents of IL-10 in the hippocampus of vehicle- pretreated groups as compared to the sham-operated groups. Furthermore, 14 consecutive days pretreatment with VA significantly restored the spatial memory, decreased the levels of IL-6, TNF-α and TUNEL positive cells and also increased the IL-10 levels in the hippocampi of the BCCAO/R rats. VA alone did not show any change neither in the status of various cytokines nor behavioral and TUNEL staining tests over sham values. Our data confirm that VA could potentially serve as a novel, promising, and accessible neuroprotective agent against cerebrovascular insufficiency states and vascular dementia.
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Ghorani-Azam A, Sepahi S, Khodaverdi E, Mohajeri SA. Herbal medicine as a promising therapeutic approach for the management of vascular dementia: A systematic literature review. Phytother Res 2018; 32:1720-1728. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Adel Ghorani-Azam
- Medical Toxicology Research Center; Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
| | - Samaneh Sepahi
- Targeted Drug Delivery Research Center; Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
- Student Research Committee; Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
| | - Elham Khodaverdi
- Targeted Drug Delivery Research Center; Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
- Department of pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy; Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
| | - Seyed Ahmad Mohajeri
- Pharmaceutical Research Center; Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
- Department of pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy; Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
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Neuroprotection by chotosan, a Kampo formula, against glutamate excitotoxicity involves the inhibition of GluN2B-, but not GluN2A-containing NMDA receptor-mediated responses in primary cultured cortical neurons. J Pharmacol Sci 2017; 135:134-137. [PMID: 29146480 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2017.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chotosan (CTS), a traditional herbal formula called Kampo medicine, was shown to be effective in the treatment of vascular dementia in a clinical study, and exerted protective effects against transient cerebral ischemia-induced cognitive impairment in mice. In the present study, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of CTS using primary cultured rat cortical neurons. CTS (250-1000 μg/mL) inhibited neuronal death induced by 100 μM glutamate. This glutamate-induced neuronal death was blocked by a GluN2B-, but not GluN2A-containing NMDA receptor antagonist. Therefore, the neuroprotective effects of CTS were related to an inhibition of GluN2B-containing NMDA receptor-mediated responses.
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Metabolic Profile of Isocorynoxeine in Rats Obtained by Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography/Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2017; 41:615-26. [PMID: 26077124 DOI: 10.1007/s13318-015-0287-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Isocorynoxeine (IC), a major alkaloid found in Uncaria rhynchophylla, exhibits wide beneficial effects on the cardiovascular and cardiocerebral vascular systems. Its metabolic pathway, however, has not been well studied yet. In this study, an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (U-HPLC/Q-TOFMS) method was developed to investigate IC metabolism in plasma, urine and bile in rats given IC orally at 40 mg/kg. METHODS Nine male Wistar rats were given IC 40 mg/kg orally. Blood, urine and bile samples were collected at pre-specified times to measure the concentration of IC. RESULTS A total of 35 metabolites were tentatively identified by the co-chromatography of biosamples and comparison of the retention time, characteristic molecular ions and fragment ions with those of the authentic standards or tentatively identified by MS/MS determination along with MassFragment software. Among them, 18, 33 and 18 metabolites were found in plasma, urine and bile samples, respectively. The relative percentage area of each metabolite was also determined to better understand the major metabolic pathways of IC in rats. CONCLUSIONS The result indicates that IC undergoes extensive metabolism in vivo, mainly including hydrolysis, oxidation, isomerization, demethylation, epoxidation, reduction, glucuronidation, hydroxylation and N-oxidation, which is helpful for the further pharmacokinetic study of IC in vivo.
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Zhang Q, Zhao JJ, Xu J, Feng F, Qu W. Medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus Uncaria. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2015; 173:48-80. [PMID: 26091967 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Revised: 05/31/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The genus Uncaria belongs to the family Rubiaceae, which mainly distributed in tropical regions, such as Southeast Asia, Africa and Southeast America. Their leaves and hooks have long been thought to have healing powers and are already being tested as a treatment for asthma, cancer, cirrhosis, diabetes, hypertension, stroke and rheumatism. The present review aims to provide systematically reorganized information on the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus Uncaria to support for further therapeutic potential of this genus. To better understanding this genus, information on the stereo-chemistry and structure-activity relationships in indole alkaloids is also represented. MATERIAL AND METHODS The literature study of this review is based on various databases search (SCIFinder, Science Direct, CNKI, Wiley online library, Spring Link, Web of Science, PubMed, Wanfang Data, Medalink, Google scholar, ACS, Tropicos, Council of Heads of Australasian Herbaria, The New York Botanical Garden, African Plants Database at Genera Botanical Garden, The Plant List and SEINet) and library search for Biological Abstract and some local books on ethnopharmacology. RESULTS 19 species of the genus Uncaria are found to be important folk medicines in China, Malaysia, Phillippines, Africa and Southeast America, etc, and have been served for the treatment of asthma, rheumatism, hyperpyrexia, hypertension and headaches, etc. More than 200 compounds have been isolated from Uncaria, including indole alkaloids, triterpenes, flavonoids, phenols, phenylpropanoids, etc. As characteristic constituents, indole alkaloids have been considered as main efficacy component for hypertension, epilepsy, depressant, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. In addition, pharmacokinetic and metabolism investigation reveal that the indole alkaloids are likely to be absorbed, metabolized and excreted at early time points. Moreover, the specific inhibition of CYP isozymes can regulate their hydroxylation metabolites at C-10 and C-11. CONCLUSION Preliminary investigations on pharmacological properties of the Uncaria species have enlightened their efficacious remedy for hypertension, asthma, cancer, diabetes, rheumatism and neurodegenerative diseases. To ensure the safety and effectiveness in clinical application, research on bioactive compounds, pharmacological mechanisms and toxicity of the genus Uncaria as well as the stereo-chemistry and structure-activity relationships of indole alkaloids seem very important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jiao Jiao Zhao
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Feng Feng
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Wei Qu
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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Ahn SM, Kim HN, Kim YR, Oh EY, Choi YW, Shin HK, Choi BT. Neuroprotective effect of 1-methoxyoctadecan-1-ol from Uncaria sinensis on glutamate-induced hippocampal neuronal cell death. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2014; 155:293-299. [PMID: 24877848 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Revised: 04/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE We isolated a single compound, 1-methoxyoctadecan-1-ol (MOD), from dried hooks and stems of Uncaria sinensis, which is used in traditional Korean medicine to provide relief from various nervous related symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS Neuroprotective effects of MOD against glutamate-induced oxidative stress in HT22 cells were investigated by analyzing cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase, flow cytometry, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Western blot assays. RESULTS Exposure to glutamate alone resulted in remarkable hippocampal neuronal cell death; however, pretreatment with MOD resulted in suppression of neuronal death and ROS accumulation in connection with cellular Ca2+ level after exposure to glutamate. Stimulation by glutamate also caused significant protein level of phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), and dephosphorylated phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K), however, pretreatment with MOD resulted in inhibition of these changes in protein level. Treatment with glutamate alone led to suppressed protein level of mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein (CREB); however, pretreatment with MOD resulted in significant enhancement of this level of protein. Anti-oxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine and both Ca2+ inhibitors, BAPTA and EGTA, showed effects similar to those of MOD in all proteins examined, except mature BDNF. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that MOD mainly exerted neuroprotective effects in suppression of ROS accumulation and up-regulation of mature BDNF in association with p38 MAPK and PI3K signaling in hippocampal neuronal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Min Ahn
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha Neui Kim
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Ri Kim
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Young Oh
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Whan Choi
- Department of Horticultural Bioscience, College of Natural Resource and Life Science, Pusan National University, Miryang 626-706, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwa Kyoung Shin
- Division of Meridian and Structural Medicine, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Tae Choi
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea; Division of Meridian and Structural Medicine, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea.
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Korani MS, Farbood Y, Sarkaki A, Fathi Moghaddam H, Taghi Mansouri M. Protective effects of gallic acid against chronic cerebral hypoperfusion-induced cognitive deficit and brain oxidative damage in rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 733:62-7. [PMID: 24726557 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.03.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2013] [Revised: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Free radical-induced neural damage is implicated in cerebral hypoperfusion disorders and antioxidants have protective effects. In the present study, we examined the effect of gallic acid (GA; 100mg/kg, p.o. for 10 days) on cognitive deficit and cerebral oxidative stress induced by permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (2VO) as an animal model of vascular dementia (VD). The results showed that 2VO significantly reduced the spatial memory performance in Morris water maze as well as non-enzymatic (total thiol) and enzymatic [glutathione peroxidase (GPx)] antioxidant contents and increased the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of vehicle-treated group as compared to sham-operated rats. Furthermore, chronic administration of GA significantly restored the spatial memory, total thiol and GPx contents and also decreased MDA levels in these tissues. GA alone did not show any change neither in the status of various antioxidants nor behavioral tests over sham values. The results demonstrate that GA has beneficial activity against 2VO-induced cognitive deficits via enhancement of cerebral antioxidant defense. Taken together, the present study suggested that GA might be useful in the treatment of VD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Shahrani Korani
- Dept. of Physiology, Physiology Research Center, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur Univ. of Med. Sciences (AJUMS), Ahvaz, Iran; Medical Plant and Cellular and Molecular Research Centers, School of Medicine, Shahrekord Univ. of Med. Sciences (SUMS), Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Yaghoub Farbood
- Dept. of Physiology, Physiology Research Center, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur Univ. of Med. Sciences (AJUMS), Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Alireza Sarkaki
- Dept. of Physiology, Physiology Research Center, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur Univ. of Med. Sciences (AJUMS), Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Hadi Fathi Moghaddam
- Dept. of Physiology, Physiology Research Center, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur Univ. of Med. Sciences (AJUMS), Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taghi Mansouri
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Physiology and Atherosclerosis Research Centers, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur Univ. of Med. Sciences (AJUMS), Ahvaz, Iran.
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Jang JY, Kim HN, Kim YR, Hong JW, Choi YW, Choi YH, Shin HK, Choi BT. Hexane extract from Uncaria sinensis exhibits anti-apoptotic properties against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in primary cultured cortical neurons. Int J Mol Med 2012; 30:1465-72. [PMID: 22992887 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2012.1134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2012] [Accepted: 08/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
We explored the neuroprotective effects of a hexane extract from Uncaria sinensis (HEUS) against glutamate-induced toxicity focusing on its anti-apoptotic mechanism in primary cultured cortical neurons. Pretreatment with HEUS resulted in significantly reduced glutamate-induced toxicity in a dose-dependent manner with a decrease in the release of lactate dehydrogenase. Morphological assay and flow cytometry were performed for determination of the type of cell death; according to the results, treatment with HEUS resulted in a significant reduction of glutamate-induced apoptotic cell death. We examined the anti-apoptotic mechanism of HEUS; treatment with HEUS resulted in markedly decreased expression of death receptor (DR)4, which was induced by glutamate stimulation. In contrast, treatment with HEUS resulted in significantly enhanced levels of expression of glutamate-attenuated XIAP and Bcl-2, as well as marked blockade of glutamate-induced Bid cleavage, which inhibits both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways. In addition, pretreatment with HEUS resulted in almost complete blockade of glutamate-induced activation of caspases-8, -9 and -3, as well as cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. These findings suggest that the neuroprotective effects of HEUS against glutamate-induced toxicity occur via inhibition of DR4 and expression of anti-apoptotic proteins XIAP and Bcl-2 resulting in effective abrogation of the activation of caspase cascades and promotion of cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Yeon Jang
- Division of Meridian and Structural Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
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Park SH, Kim JH, Park SJ, Bae SS, Choi YW, Hong JW, Choi BT, Shin HK. Protective effect of hexane extracts of Uncaria sinensis against photothrombotic ischemic injury in mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2011; 138:774-779. [PMID: 22051882 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2011] [Revised: 10/07/2011] [Accepted: 10/20/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Uncaria sinensis (US) has been used in traditional Korean medicine to treat vascular disease and to relieve various neurological symptoms. AIM OF THE STUDY Scientific evidence related to the effectiveness or action mechanism of US on cerebrovascular disease has not been examined experimentally. Here, we investigated the cerebrovascular protective effect of US extracts on photothrombotic ischemic injury in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS US hexane extracts (HEUS), ethyl acetate extracts (EAEUS) and methanol extracts (MEUS) were administered intraperitoneally 30 min before ischemic insults. Focal cerebral ischemia was induced in C57BL/6J mice and endothelial nitric oxide synthase knockout (eNOS KO) mice by photothrombotic cortical occlusion. We evaluated the infarct volume, neurological score and the activation of Akt and eNOS in ischemic brain. RESULTS HEUS more significantly reduced infarct volume and edema than did EAEUS and MEUS following photothrombotic cortical occlusion. HEUS produced decreased infarct volume and edema size, and improved neurological function in a concentration-dependent manner (10, 50, and 100 mg/kg). However, HEUS did not reduce brain infarction in eNOS KO mice, suggesting that the protective effect of HEUS is primarily endothelium-dependent. Furthermore, HEUS (10-300 μg/ml) produced a concentration-dependent relaxation in mouse aorta and rat basilar artery, which was not seen in eNOS KO mouse aorta, suggesting that HEUS cause vasodilation via an eNOS-dependent mechanism. This correlated with increased phosphorylation of Akt and eNOS in the brains of HEUS-treated mice. CONCLUSION HEUS prevent cerebral ischemic damage by regulating Akt/eNOS signaling. US, herbal medicine, may be the basis of a novel strategy for the therapy of stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun Haeng Park
- Division of Meridian and Structural Medicine, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongnam, Republic of Korea
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Kim DY, Jung JA, Kim TH, Seo SW, Jung SK, Park CS. Oral administration of Uncariae rhynchophylla inhibits the development of DNFB-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions via IFN-gamma down-regulation in NC/Nga mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2009; 122:567-572. [PMID: 19429328 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2008.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2008] [Revised: 11/25/2008] [Accepted: 12/16/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Uncariae rhynchophylla (UR) is an herb which has blood pressure lowering and anti-inflammatory effects and has been prescribed traditionally to treat stroke and vascular dementia. AIM OF STUDY In the present study, we examined whether UR suppress Atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice treated with 2, 4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) under SPF conditions. MATERIAL AND METHODS The effect of UR in DNFB- treated NC/Nga mice was determined by measuring the skin symptom severity, levels of serum IgE, and of the amounts of IL-4 and IFN-gamma secreted by activated T cells in draining lymph nodes. RESULTS Oral administration of UR to DNFB-treated NC/Nga mice was found to inhibit ear thickness increases and the skin lesions induced by DNFB. IFN-gamma production by CD4+ T cells from the lymph nodes of DNFB-treated NC/Nga mice was significantly inhibited by UR treatment, although levels of IL-4 and total IgE in serum were not. CONCLUSION UR may suppress the development of AD-like dermatitis in DNFB-treated NC/Nga mice by reducing IFN-gamma production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Young Kim
- Department of Microbiology (BK21), College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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May BH, Lit M, Xue CCL, Yang AWH, Zhang AL, Owens MD, Head R, Cobiac L, Li CG, Hugel H, Story DF. Herbal medicine for dementia: a systematic review. Phytother Res 2009; 23:447-59. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.2656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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16
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Lee JG, Park HJ, Kim DW, Song BK. The Effect of the Uncariae Ramulus et Uncus on the Regeneration Following CNS Injury. J Pharmacopuncture 2009. [DOI: 10.3831/kpi.2009.12.1.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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17
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Sucher NJ. Insights from molecular investigations of traditional Chinese herbal stroke medicines: implications for neuroprotective epilepsy therapy. Epilepsy Behav 2006; 8:350-62. [PMID: 16455305 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2005.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2005] [Accepted: 11/25/2005] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Traditional Chinese herbal medicine is the most widely practiced form of herbalism worldwide. It is based on a sophisticated system of medical theory and practice that is distinctly different from orthodox Western scientific medicine. Most traditional therapeutic formulations consist of a combination of several drugs. The combination of multiple drugs is thought to maximize therapeutic efficacy by facilitating synergistic actions and ameliorating or preventing potential adverse effects while at the same time aiming at multiple targets. Orthodox drug therapy has been subject to critical analysis by the "evidence-based medicine" movement, and demands have been made that herbal medicine should be subject to the same kind of scrutiny. However, evaluation of the effectiveness of herbal medicines can be challenging, as their active components are often not known. Accordingly, it may be difficult to ensure that an herbal preparation used in clinical trials contains the components underlying its purported therapeutic effect. We reasoned that the identification of actions of herbal medicines at well-defined molecular targets and subsequent identification of chemical compounds underlying these molecular effects might serve as surrogate markers in the hypothesis-guided evaluation of their therapeutic efficacy. A research program was initiated to characterize in vitro molecular actions of a collection of 58 traditional Chinese drugs that are often used for the treatment of stroke. The results indicate that these drugs possess activity at disparate molecular targets in the signaling pathways involved in N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated neuronal injury and death. Each herbal drug contains diverse families of chemical compounds, where each family comprises structurally related members that act with low affinity at multiple molecular targets. The data appear to support the multicomponent, multitarget approach of traditional Chinese medicine. Glutamate release and excessive stimulation of NMDA receptors cause status epilepticus-induced neuronal death and are involved in epileptogenesis. Therefore, these results are also relevant to the development of antiepileptogenic and neuroprotective therapy for seizures. The combination of principles of modern molecular medicine with certain ideas of traditional empirical Chinese medicine may be beneficial in translational medicine in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaus J Sucher
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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18
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Na M, Kim YH, Min BS, Bae K, Kamiryo Y, Senoo YI, Yokoo S, Miwa N, Song KS, Seong YH. Cytoprotective effect on oxidative stress and inhibitory effect on cellular aging of Uncaria sinensis Havil. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2004; 95:127-132. [PMID: 15507324 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2004.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2003] [Revised: 05/19/2004] [Accepted: 05/25/2004] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The ethanol extract from the hooks and stems of Uncaria sinensis Havil (Rubiaceae) exhibited significant inhibitory activity on oxidative stress and the age-dependent shortening of the telomeric DNA length. In the peroxidation model using t-BuOOH, the Uncaria sinensis extract showed a notable cytoprotective effect on the HEK-N/F cells with 65.0 +/- 3.0% of cell viability when compared with control cells at a concentration of 50 microg/ml. In addition, the Uncaria sinensis extract exhibited a significant cytoprotective effect against UVB-induced oxidative damage. The life-span of the HEK-N/F cells was elongated by 201% as a result of the continuous administration of 3 microg/ml of the Uncaria sinensis extract compared to that of the control. These observations were attributed to the inhibitory effect of the Uncaria sinensis extract on the age-dependent shortening of the telomere length as shown by the Southern blots of the terminal restriction fragments (TRFs) of DNA extracted from subculture passages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minkyun Na
- College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 305-764, South Korea
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19
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Ha KT, Lee TK, Kwak KH, Kim JK, Kim DI, Choi DY, Kim CH. Inhibitory effect of Cho-Deung-San on human aortic smooth muscle cell migration induced by TNF-α through inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 activity. Vascul Pharmacol 2004; 41:83-90. [PMID: 15380733 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2004.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2004] [Revised: 05/12/2004] [Accepted: 05/12/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The migration and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) production of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) may play a key role in the development of atherosclerosis. A Korean traditional herbal formulation, Cho-Deung-San (CDS), which is composed of 11 herbal ingredients, has been used to treat vascular diseases for many centuries. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of CDS on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC) migration and MMP-2 and -9 activity. The cytotoxocity of CDS on HASMC was very low (IC(50)>500 microg/ml) as measured by the XTT assay method. The Matrigel migration assay showed that CDS effectively inhibited the TNF-alpha-induced migration of HASMC as compared with the control group in a dose-dependent manner (IC(50)=85 microg/ml). To explain this inhibitory effect, the extracts prepared from CDS and its herbal ingredients were assayed for gelatin zymography. The results showed that CDS inhibited MMP-2 and -9 activity (IC(50)=180 and 75 microg/ml, respectively). Among the herbal ingredients of CDS, the hooks and stems of Uncaria sinensis (Oliv.) Havil (UR) has shown significant inhibition against MMP-2 and -9 activity. In addition, the inhibitory effect of UR against gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2 and -9 was higher than that of catechin and lower than that of epigallocatechin gallate. These results suggest that CDS could be used as potential antiatherosclerotic agent, and UR is major component of CDS for antimigration in TNF-alpha treated HASMC.
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MESH Headings
- Aorta/pathology
- Catechin/chemistry
- Catechin/classification
- Catechin/pharmacology
- Cell Movement/drug effects
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Cell Survival/drug effects
- Cell Survival/physiology
- Cells, Cultured
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Drug Evaluation, Preclinical/methods
- Gene Expression/drug effects
- Gene Expression/genetics
- Herbal Medicine
- Humans
- Korea
- Medicine, East Asian Traditional
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/physiology
- Plant Extracts/chemistry
- Plant Extracts/pharmacology
- Plant Stems
- Plants, Medicinal/chemistry
- Rhizome
- Tetrazolium Salts
- Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2/genetics
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/antagonists & inhibitors
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/pharmacology
- Uncaria/chemistry
- Uncaria/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki-Tae Ha
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Pathology and Gynecology, College of Oriental Medicine, Dongguk University and National Research Laboratory for Glycobiology, Sukjang-Dong 707, Kyungju City, Kyungbuk 780-714, South Korea
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20
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Mahakunakorn P, Tohda M, Murakami Y, Matsumoto K, Watanabe H. Antioxidant and Free Radical-Scavenging Activity of Choto-san and Its Related Constituents. Biol Pharm Bull 2004; 27:38-46. [PMID: 14709896 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.27.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The antioxidant properties of Choto-san and its related constituents such as Chotoko and Choto-san without Chotoko, and phenolic compounds contained in Chotoko such as epicatechin, caffeic, acid and quercetin were evaluated. In the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging assay, the scavenging activity of Chotoko (IC(50) 14.3 microg/ml) was found to be higher than that of Choto-san (IC(50) 206.2 microg/ml) and Choto-san without Chotoko (IC(50) 244.3 microg/ml). Epicatechin (IC(50) 10.4 microM), caffeic acid (IC(50) 13.8 microM), and quercetin (IC(50) 7.1 microM) also revealed scavenging activity against DPPH radicals. Choto-san (IC(50) 67.7 microg/ml) exhibited stronger inhibitory activity against superoxide anion formation than Choto-san without Chotoko (IC(50) 92.4 microg/ml) but weaker activity than Chotoko (IC(50) 18.3 microg/ml). The generation of superoxide anion was also inhibited by epicatechin (IC(50) 175.2 microM), caffeic acid (IC(50) 141.7 microM), and quercetin (IC(50) 18.7 microM). In a hydroxyl radical-scavenging experiment, Choto-san (IC(50) 2.4 mg/ml), Chotoko (IC(50) 2.2 mg/ml), Choto-san without Chotoko (IC(50) 2.8 mg/ml), epicatechin (IC(50) 3.9 mM), caffeic acid (IC(50) 3.6 mM), and quercetin (IC(50) 1.9 mM) exhibited activity. In NG108-15 cells, when added simultaneously with H(2)O(2) (500 microM), Choto-san (250 microg/ml), Chotoko (250 microg/ml), Choto-san without Chotoko (500 microg/ml), epicatechin (200 microM), caffeic acid (200 microM), and quercetin (200 microM) effectively protected cells from oxidative damage. In conclusion, the present results provide evidence that Choto-san acts as an antioxidant and cytoprotective agent against oxidative damage, which is due at least partly to the phenolic compounds contained in Chotoko.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pramote Mahakunakorn
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Natural Medicine, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2630 Sugitani, Yoyama 930-0194, Japan
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21
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Kim JH, Chung JY, Lee YJ, Park S, Kim JH, Hahm DH, Lee HJ, Shim I. Effects of Methanol Extract of Uncariae Ramulus et Uncus on Ibotenic Acid-Induced Amnesia in the Rat. J Pharmacol Sci 2004; 96:314-23. [PMID: 15557736 DOI: 10.1254/jphs.fp0040179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we investigated the effects of Uncariae Ramulus et Uncus (UR) on learning and memory in the Morris water maze task and the central cholinergic system of rats with excitotoxic medial septum (MS) lesion. In the water maze test, the animals were trained to find a platform in a fixed position during 6 days and then received a 60-s probe trial in which the platform was removed from the pool on the 7th day. Ibotenic lesion of the MS showed impaired performance of the maze test and severe cell losses in the septohippocampal cholinergic system (SHC), as indicated by decreased choline acetyltransferase-immunoreactivity and acetylcholinesterase-reactivity in the hippocampus. Daily administrations of UR (100 mg/kg, i.p.) for 21 consecutive days produced significant reversals of ibotenic acid-induced deficit in learning and memory. These treatments also reduced the loss of cholinergic immunoreactivity in the hippocampus induced by ibotenic acid. These results demonstrated that impairments of spatial learning and memory may be attributable to degeneration of SHC neurons and that UR ameliorated learning and memory deficits partly through neuroprotective effects on the central acetylcholine system. Our studies suggest that UR may be useful in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hyun Kim
- Graduate School of East-West Medical Science, College of Oriental Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-shi, Kyungki-do, Korea
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22
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Lee B, Choi Y, Kim H, Kim SY, Hahm DH, Lee HJ, Shim I. Protective effects of methanol extract of Acori graminei rhizoma and Uncariae Ramulus et Uncus on ischemia-induced neuronal death and cognitive impairments in the rat. Life Sci 2003; 74:435-50. [PMID: 14609722 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2003.06.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Acori graminei rhizoma (AGR) and Uncariae Ramulus et Uncus (URE) have been widely used as herbal medicine against ischemia. In order to investigate whether AGR and URE influenced cerebral ischemia-induced neuronal and cognitive impairments, we examined the effect of AGR and URE on ischemia-induced cell death in the striatum, cortex and hippocampus, and on the impaired learning and memory in the Morris water maze and radial eight-arm maze in rats. After middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 2 h, rats were administered saline, AGR or URE (100 mg/kg, p.o.) daily for three weeks, followed by their training to the tasks. In the water maze test, the animals were trained to find a platform in a fixed position during 6 days and then received a 60-s probe trial in which the platform was removed from the pool on the 7th day. In the radial eight-arm maze, animals were tested six times per week for 1 week. Rats with ischemic insults showed impaired learning and memory on the tasks. Pretreatment with AGR and URE produced a significant improvement in escape latency to find the platform in the Morris water maze and in the number of choice errors in the radial arm maze test. Consistent with behavioral data, pretreatments with AGR and URE significantly reduced ischemia-induced cell death in the hippocampal CA1 area. These results demonstrated that AGR and URE have a protective effect against ischemia-induced neuronal loss and learning and memory damage. Our studies suggest that AGR and URE may be useful in the treatment of vascular dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bombi Lee
- Department of Oriental Medical Science, Graduate School of East-West Medical Science, College of Oriental Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 1 Seochon-ri, Kiheung-eup, Youngin-shi, Kyungki-do, Suwon 449-701, South Korea
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23
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Mizushima Y, Kan S, Yoshida S, Irie Y, Urata Y. Effect of Choto-san, a Kampo medicine, on impairment of passive avoidance performance in senescence accelerated mouse (SAM). Phytother Res 2003; 17:542-5. [PMID: 12748994 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.1193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Effect of Choto-san (TJ-47), a Kampo medicine, on impairment of learning performance was evaluated by means of a step-through passive avoidance task in SAMP8 mice, a senescence-prone substrain. Tokishakuyaku-san (TJ-23), another Kampo medicine, was also employed for comparison. SAMP8 mice at the age of 10-12 months showed a poorer passive avoidance response than SAMR1 mice, a senescence-resistant substrain, in the memory-retention test, but not in the memory-acquisition test. Improved response in the memory-retention test was observed in SAMP8 mice treated with TJ-47, and almost equal degree of improvement was also observed after treatment with TJ-23. These results suggest that a long-term administration of Choto-san could improve to some extent the impairment of memory caused by aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Mizushima
- Department of Geriatrics, Hirosaki University School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
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24
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Dohi K, Satoh K, Ikeda Y, Ohtaki H, Shioda S, Aruga T. Neuroprotective effect from ischemia and direct free radical scavenging activity of Choto-san (kampo medicine). ACTA NEUROCHIRURGICA. SUPPLEMENT 2003; 86:123-7. [PMID: 14753419 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-7091-0651-8_27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Choto-san is a kampo medicine that is widely used in patients with cerebral infarction, but the details of its mechanism of action remain unclear. We examined the neuroprotective effects of Choto-san using an experimental cerebral ischemia model (i.e., a rat cardiac arrest model). We also investigated the ability of Choto-san to eliminate or inhibit the activity of free radicals. It was found that Choto-san significantly prevents delayed neuronal cell death after ischemic reperfusion. Electron spin resonance demonstrated that the formation of hydroxyl- and superoxide-DMPO spin adducts were inhibited by Choto-san. The results of this study indicated that Choto-san prevents delayed neuronal cell death in the hippocampal CA1 region after ischemia. Direct free radical scavenging activity is among the pharmacological effects of Choto-san.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Dohi
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan.
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25
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Diamond B, Johnson S, Torsney K, Morodan J, Prokop B, Davidek D, Kramer P. Complementary and Alternative Medicines in the Treatment of Dementia. Drugs Aging 2003; 20:981-98. [PMID: 14561102 DOI: 10.2165/00002512-200320130-00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Alternative medicines may have potential beneficial results in treating certain forms of dementia and related symptoms, as well as slowing disease progression. Alternative medicines may ameliorate disturbances in cognition, mood, sleep and activities of daily living. Primary mechanisms of action include modifications in neurotransmitter synthesis, inhibition of neurotransmitter reuptake and enzyme-induced neurotransmitter breakdown, antioxidant and anti-platelet activity, enhanced blood flow and glucose metabolism. Adverse events can include cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, mood, autonomic and dermatologic effects. However, adverse events, when reported represent, a small percentage of treated groups and direct links between adverse events and alternative therapies are tenuous. Many studies of alternative medicines in dementia are inconclusive and characterised by methodological deficiencies such as small sample sizes and inadequate controls. If alternative medicines can be shown to be efficacious using more rigorous experimental designs, both consumers and clinicians could avail themselves of a wider range of pharmacological substances that may offer the advantage of being better tolerated and exhibiting safer therapeutic margins than some allopathic medicines. While a number of complementary interventions have shown both strengths and weaknesses, huperzine A, levacecarnine and EGB 761, based on the overall quality of the studies, identified mechanisms of activity and safety profiles merit further examination in controlled clinical outcome studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce Diamond
- Department of Psychology, William Paterson University, Wayne, New Jersey, USA.
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