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Alzahrani MA, Ofisan SB, Alshumaymiri NI, Alghuwainem M, Altamimi M, Alali AY, Rabie M, AboSkena AK, Almaymuni K, Almannie R, Binsaleh S. Effect of St. John's Wort ( Hypericum perforatum L.) on Male Sexual and Reproductive Health: A Narrative Review. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2800. [PMID: 37893173 PMCID: PMC10604084 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypericum species are widely acknowledged for their biological attributes, with notable attention being paid to Hypericum perforatum, commonly known as St. John's wort (SJW) within the Hypericum section of the Hypericaceae family. This species is among the most thoroughly investigated herbal medicines, particularly in terms of its application in the management of mild to moderate depression. SJW is used to treat depression, menopausal symptoms, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), somatic symptom disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and skin conditions, such as wounds and muscle pain. However, the usefulness and effectiveness of SJW for male sexual and reproductive health (SRH) are not well known. OBJECTIVE To assess the current evidence in the literature on the effect of SJW on male SRH. METHODS This narrative review followed a predetermined protocol and used MEDLINE and PubMed to identify articles published in English on the effects of SJW on male SRH. The search used various keywords, such as "Hypericum Perforatum", "St. John's Wort", and terms related to sexual and reproductive health issues. Articles published between the inception of the database and August 2023 were included. RESULTS We identified 12 articles published from 1999 to 2019, the majority of which were experimental and conducted on animals. These studies demonstrate variability in terms of design, sample size, type of SJW extract used, the dosage administered, and duration of treatment. Studies have indicated potential sexual dysfunction (SD) due to SJW, which includes reduced libido, delayed ejaculation, delayed orgasm, and erectile dysfunction. Additionally, reproductive toxicity has been suggested, as evidenced by spermicidal effects through the inhibition of sperm motility, abnormal spermatozoa, chromosomal aberrations, and DNA denaturation. Furthermore, some studies have reported potential adverse events during maternal exposure, inhibition of fertilization, and disruption of reproductive parameters. CONCLUSIONS Our review suggests that the safety and efficacy of SJW in the treatment of human SRH remain unclear. Further comprehensive, well-designed studies with larger samples, longer exposure periods, and specific dosages are needed to clarify SJW's effects of SJW. Therefore, consultation with healthcare professionals before using herbal remedies or supplements is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meshari A. Alzahrani
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salman Bin Ofisan
- College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 16273, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nasser I. Alshumaymiri
- College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 16273, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muath Alghuwainem
- College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 16273, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muath Altamimi
- College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 16273, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Y. Alali
- College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 16273, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Rabie
- College of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21568, Egypt
| | - Ahmed K. AboSkena
- Department of Pharmaceutical, College of Pharmacy, Ahram Canadian University (ACU), 6th of October 12451, Egypt
| | - Khalid Almaymuni
- College of Medicine, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raed Almannie
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University Medical City, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh Binsaleh
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University Medical City, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
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Oliveira AI, Pinho C, Sarmento B, Dias ACP. Neuroprotective Activity of Hypericum perforatum and Its Major Components. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2016; 7:1004. [PMID: 27462333 PMCID: PMC4939296 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2016.01004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Hypericum perforatum is a perennial plant, with worldwide distribution, commonly known as St. John's wort. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for the treatment of several disorders, such as minor burns, anxiety, and mild to moderate depression. In the past years, its antidepressant properties have been extensively studied. Despite that, other H. perforatum biological activities, as its neuroprotective properties have also been evaluated. The present review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the main biologically active compounds of H. perforatum, as for its chemistry, pharmacological activities, drug interactions and adverse reactions and gather scattered information about its neuroprotective abilities. As for this, it has been demonstrated that H. perforatum extracts and several of its major molecular components have the ability to protect against toxic insults, either directly, through neuroprotective mechanisms, or indirectly, through is antioxidant properties. H. perforatum has therefore the potential to become an effective neuroprotective therapeutic agent, despite further studies that need to be carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana I. Oliveira
- Nucleo de Investigação e Informação em Farmácia, Centro de Investigação em Saúde e Ambiente, Escola Superior de Tecnologia de Saúde do Porto – Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Vila Nova de GaiaPortugal
- Agrobioplant Group (CITAB-UM), Department of Biology, University of Minho, BragaPortugal
| | - Cláudia Pinho
- Nucleo de Investigação e Informação em Farmácia, Centro de Investigação em Saúde e Ambiente, Escola Superior de Tecnologia de Saúde do Porto – Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Vila Nova de GaiaPortugal
- Agrobioplant Group (CITAB-UM), Department of Biology, University of Minho, BragaPortugal
| | - Bruno Sarmento
- Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada em Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Gandra PRDPortugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, PortoPortugal
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, PortoPortugal
| | - Alberto C. P. Dias
- Agrobioplant Group (CITAB-UM), Department of Biology, University of Minho, BragaPortugal
- *Correspondence: Alberto C. P. Dias,
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Hamzeloo-Moghadam M, Khalaj A, Malekmohammadi M. Cytotoxic Activity and Apoptosis Induction of Hypericum scabrum L. IRANIAN RED CRESCENT MEDICAL JOURNAL 2015; 17:e19453. [PMID: 26568855 PMCID: PMC4640096 DOI: 10.5812/ircmj.19453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Revised: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Background: One of the acquired biological hallmarks of tumor multistep development is the resistance of cancer cells to apoptosis; therefore, induction of apoptosis is an important therapeutic approach. Hypericum species are spread throughout the world and have been investigated for their biological properties. Objectives: Our previous studies had demonstrated cytotoxicity of Hypericum scabrum L. methanol extract against some tumor cell lines, suggesting the species for further studies. The objectives of the present study were to determine the most cytotoxic fraction of Hypericum scabrum L. and to assess the apoptosis induction ability of the most effective fraction as well as its methanol extract. The laboratory evidence has been presented to support the potency of Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM) medicinal plants as a source of different biological activity surveys and drug discoveries. Materials and Methods: The present research is a descriptive study. The sampling strategy was based on ITM data of cancer phytotherapy. Hypericum scabrum was collected from Alborz province, Iran (2012) and the herbarium specimen was taxonomically identified. The petroleum ether, dichloromethane, and methanol fractions have been evaluated for cytotoxicity against M-CF7, A-549, HT-29, and HepG-2 cell lines through 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide or MTT assay. The apoptosis induction ability has been assessed by activated caspase-3 inspection and Annexin V FITC/PI (propidium iodide) assays. Results: Di-chloromethane fraction demonstrated IC50 values of 25.72 μg/mL and 24.73 μg/mL against HT-29 and HepG-2 cell lines, respectively and IC50 values of petroleum ether fraction were 22.6 μg/mL and 18.31 μg/mL against HT-29 and HepG-2, respectively. The methanol fraction did not show cytotoxic activity. Both the methanol extract and the petroleum ether fraction of Hypericum scabrum L. revealed apoptosis induction ability. Conclusions: Considering the strong historical background about the therapeutic potential of the genus Hypericum and the considerable cytotoxic and apoptosis induction ability of Hypericum scabrum, this species is suggested for future biological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Hamzeloo-Moghadam
- Traditional Medicine and Materia Medica Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Amir Khalaj
- Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Traditional Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding Author: Amir Khalaj, Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Traditional Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P. O. Box: 1516745811, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel: +98-9129410432, Fax +98-2188776027, E-mail:
| | - Maryam Malekmohammadi
- Department of Plant Sciences, School of Biology, College of Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, IR Iran
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Nazıroğlu M, Sahin M, Ciğ B, Aykur M, Erturan I, Ugan Y. Hypericum perforatum modulates apoptosis and calcium mobilization through voltage-gated and TRPM2 calcium channels in neutrophil of patients with Behcet's disease. J Membr Biol 2014; 247:253-62. [PMID: 24452864 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-014-9630-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Behcet's disease (BD) is a chronic, inflammatory, and multisystemic condition although its pathogenesis is uncertain. Main component of St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum, HP) is hyperforin and induces antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties. We aimed to investigate effects of HP on oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cytosolic-free Ca²⁺ [Ca²⁺](i) concentration in neutrophil of BD patients. Nine new-diagnosed active patients with BD and nine control subjects were included in the study. Disease activity was considered by clinical findings. Neutrophil samples were obtained from the patients and controls. The neutrophils from patients were divided into three subgroups and were incubated with HP, voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) blockers, (verapamil+dilitiazem) and non-specific TRPM2 channel blocker (2-aminoethyl diphenylborinate, 2-APB), respectively. The neutrophils were stimulated by fMLP as a Ca²⁺-concentration agonist and oxidative stress former. Caspase-3, caspase-9, apoptosis, lipid peroxidation, and [Ca²⁺](i) values were high in the patient groups, although cell viability, glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) values were low in patient group. However, the [Ca²⁺](i), caspase-3, and caspase-9 values decreased markedly in patient+HP group although GSH and GSH-Px values increased in the group. The [Ca²⁺](i) concentration was also decreased in the patient group by V+D, 2-APB, and HP incubations. In conclusion, we observed the importance of neutrophil Ca²⁺ entry, apoptosis, and oxidative stress through gating VGCC and TRPM2 channels in the neutrophils in the pathogenesis and activation of the patients with BD. HP induced protective effects on oxidative stress by modulating Ca²⁺ influx in BD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Nazıroğlu
- Neuroscience Research Center, Süleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey,
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Naziroglu M, Kutluhan S, Ovey IS, Aykur M, Yurekli VA. Modulation of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and calcium entry in leukocytes of patients with multiple sclerosis by Hypericum perforatum. Nutr Neurosci 2013; 17:214-21. [PMID: 24075078 DOI: 10.1179/1476830513y.0000000083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hypericum perfortarum (HP, St John's wort) is a modulator of Ca(2+) entry in neutrophils and it may modulate intracellular free Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)]i) entry in leukocytes of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). We investigated effects of HP on oxidative stress, apoptosis, and [Ca(2+)]i concentrations in serum and leukocytes of patients with MS. METHODS Neutrophils of nine newly diagnosed MS patients and nine healthy subjects within four subgroups were used in the study. The first group was a control; the second group was patients with MS. The neutrophils from patient group were incubated non-specific TRPM2 channel blocker (2-APB), voltage-gated calcium channel blockers, verapamil and diltiazem (V + D) with HP before N-formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine stimulation, respectively. RESULTS Neutrophil and serum lipid peroxidation, neutrophil apoptosis and [Ca(2+)]i levels in patients with MS were higher than in control although their levels were decreased by HP, 2-APB, and V + D incubations. The modulator role of V + D in MS and MS + HP groups was higher than in the 2-APB group. Neutrophilic glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and serum vitamin A and E concentrations were lower in the MS group than in control. However, the neutrophil GSH-Px activity was increased by HP incubation. The neutrophil reduced glutathione, serum vitamin C and β-carotene concentrations did not change in control and patients. DISCUSSION We observed that HP-induced protective effects on oxidative stress and [Ca(2+)]i concentrations by modulating transient receptor potential and voltage gated calcium channel in the patients with MS. Thus, it may provide useful treatment of neutrophil activity in the patients.
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Peron AP, Mariucci RG, de Almeida IV, Düsman E, Mantovani MS, Vicentini VEP. Evaluation of the cytotoxicity, mutagenicity and antimutagenicity of a natural antidepressant, Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John's wort), on vegetal and animal test systems. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 13:97. [PMID: 23647762 PMCID: PMC3653805 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-13-97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2012] [Accepted: 05/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) is an herbaceous plant that is native to Europe, West Asia and North Africa and that is recognized and used worldwide for the treatment of mild and moderate depression. It also has been shown to be therapeutic for the treatment of burns, bruises and swelling and can be used for its wound healing, antiviral, antimicrobial, antioxidant, analgesic, hepato-protective and anxiolytic properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential cytotoxic, mutagenic and antimutagenic action of H. Perforatum. Methods Meristematic cells were used as the test system for Allium cepa L., and bone marrow cells from Rattus norvegicus, ex vivo, were used to calculate the mitotic index and the percentage of chromosomal aberration. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test. Results This medicinal plant had no cytotoxic potential in the vegetal test system evaluated. In the animal test system, none of the acute treatments, including intraperitoneal gavage and subchronic gavage, were cytotoxic or mutagenic. Moreover, this plant presented antimutagenic activity against the clastogenic action of cyclophosphamide, as confirmed in pre-treatment (76% reduction in damage), simultaneous treatment (95%) and post-treatment (97%). Conclusions Thus, the results of this study suggest that the administration of H. perforatum, especially by gavage similar to oral consumption used by humans, is safe and with beneficial antimutagenic potential.
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Kencebay C, Derin N, Ozsoy O, Kipmen-Korgun D, Tanriover G, Ozturk N, Basaranlar G, Yargicoglu-Akkiraz P, Sozen B, Agar A. Merit of quinacrine in the decrease of ingested sulfite-induced toxic action in rat brain. Food Chem Toxicol 2013; 52:129-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2012.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2012] [Revised: 11/06/2012] [Accepted: 11/08/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Kim BC, Kim YS, Lee JW, Seo JH, Ji ES, Lee H, Park YI, Kim CJ. Protective Effect of Coriolus versicolor Cultivated in Citrus Extract Against Nitric Oxide-Induced Apoptosis in Human Neuroblastoma SK-N-MC Cells. Exp Neurobiol 2011; 20:100-9. [PMID: 22110367 PMCID: PMC3213704 DOI: 10.5607/en.2011.20.2.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2011] [Accepted: 04/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is a reactive free radical and a messenger molecule in many physiological functions. However, excessive NO is believed to be a mediator of neurotoxicity. The medicinal plant Coriolus versicolor is known to possess anti-tumor and immune-potentiating activities. In this study, we investigated whether Coriolus versicolor possesses a protective effect against NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced apoptosis in the human neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-MC. We utilized 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, flow cytometry, 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, DNA fragmentation assay, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot analysis, and caspase-3 enzyme activity assay in SK-N-MC cells. MTT assay showed that SNP treatment significantly reduces the viability of cells, and the viabilities of cells pre-treated with the aqueous extract of Coriolus versicolor cultivated in citrus extract (CVEcitrus) was increased. However, aqueous extract of Coriolus versicolor cultivated in synthetic medium (CVEsynthetic) showed no protective effect and aqueous citrus extract (CE) had a little protective effect. The cell treated with SNP exhibited several apoptotic features, while those pre-treated for 1 h with CVEcitrus prior to SNP expose showed reduced apoptotic features. The cells pre-treated for 1 h with CVEcitrus prior to SNP expose inhibited p53 and Bax expressions and caspase-3 enzyme activity up-regulated by SNP. We showed that CVEcitrus exerts a protective effect against SNP-induced apoptosis in SK-N-MC cells. Our study suggests that CVEcitrus has therapeutic value in the treatment of a variety of NO-induced brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byung-Chul Kim
- Department of Anatomy-Pointology, College of Oriental Medicine, Kyungwon University, Seongnam, Korea
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Grundmann O, Lv Y, Kelber O, Butterweck V. Mechanism of St. John's wort extract (STW3-VI) during chronic restraint stress is mediated by the interrelationship of the immune, oxidative defense, and neuroendocrine system. Neuropharmacology 2009; 58:767-73. [PMID: 20036263 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2009.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2009] [Revised: 12/09/2009] [Accepted: 12/13/2009] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Chronic stress is a contributing risk factor for the development of psychiatric illnesses such as anxiety and depression disorders. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the mechanisms of action of the standardized St. John's wort extract (STW3-VI; SJW) in a chronic restraint stress model. Markers of antioxidant capacity such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) in the hippocampus and hypothalamus, and plasma levels of ACTH and corticosterone as well as the inflammatory markers IL-6 and TNF-alpha were determined in rats exposed to chronic restraint stress for 21 consecutive days. In addition, total body and relative organ weights as well as behavioral changes in the open field test were evaluated on the last day. The results show that stressed animals decreased in open field activity compared to unstressed animals, which could be reversed by fluoxetine (10mg/kg, p.o.) and SJW (125-750mg/kg, p.o.) treatment. In addition, chronic restraint stress significantly decreased thymus and spleen indices in the stressed control group. However, treating stressed rats with fluoxetine or STW3-VI produced a significant and dose dependent increase in both thymus and spleen indices compared to stressed controls. Additionally, SJW and fluoxetine significantly reduced stress-induced increases in plasma ACTH and corticosterone levels. Furthermore, the administration of SJW significantly reduced the stress-induced increase in TNF-alpha levels. Our data provide new evidence for the hypothesis that the mechanism of action of STW3-VI is mediated by the interrelationship between the immune, oxidative defense and neuroendocrine system.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Grundmann
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Florida, PO Box 100494, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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Zou YP, Lu YH, Wei DZ. Protective effects of a flavonoid-rich extract of Hypericum perforatum
L. against hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells. Phytother Res 2009; 24 Suppl 1:S6-S10. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.2852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Cytological and biochemical effects of St. John's Wort supplement (a complex mixture of St. John's Wort, Rosemary and Spirulina) on somatic and germ cells of Swiss Albino mice. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2009; 5:408-17. [PMID: 19151436 PMCID: PMC3700001 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph5050408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Commercially available St. John’s wort supplement (SJWS) composed of an herbal mixture of St. John’s Wort (SJW), Rosemary (RM) and Spirulina (SP) is used as a dietary supplement for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Although the minor ingredients, (RM and SP) are proven antioxidants, their quantity is quite insignificant as compared to the SJW, which is the major ingredient. Most of the toxic effects of SJWS are attributed to the main constituents of SJW which differ due to the influence of light (hypericin) and variations in temperature above freezing point (hyperforin). However, there are no reports on toxicity of SJWS maintained at room temperature in pharmacies and supermarkets. In view of the folkloric importance, immense (prescribed or unprescribed) use and a paucity of literature on SJWS, it was found worthwhile to (1) determine the genotoxic effects of SJWS in somatic and germ cells of mice and (2) investigate the role of biochemical changes, as a possible mechanism. The protocol included the oral treatment of mice with different doses (380, 760 and 1520 mg/kg/day) of SJWS for 7 days. The following experiments were conducted: (i) cytological studies on micronucleus test, (ii) cytogenetic analysis for meiotic chromosomes, (iii) cytological analysis of spermatozoa abnormalities, (iv) quantification of proteins and nucleic acids in hepatic and testicular cells and (v) estimation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nonprotein sulfhydryl (NP-SH) in hepatic and testicular cells. The treatment increased the frequency of micronuclei in polychromatic erythrocytes (PCE) in the femora. It caused aberrations in chromosomes of testes and induced spermatozoa abnormalities. These changes might be attributed to the epigenetic mechanisms as revealed by an increase in concentrations of MDA and depletion of nucleic acids and NP-SH levels in both hepatic and testicular cells observed in the present study. Since, the samples of SJWS used were not drawn from extremities of light and temperature; the observed effect might not be related to the main constituents of SJW. However, these changes might be ascribed to the combined effect of terpenes, tannins, quercetin and flavonoids present in SJW.
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Bejarano I, Lozano GM, Ortiz A, García JF, Paredes SD, Rodríguez AB, Pariente JA. Caspase 3 activation in human spermatozoa in response to hydrogen peroxide and progesterone. Fertil Steril 2008; 90:1340-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.08.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2007] [Revised: 08/30/2007] [Accepted: 08/30/2007] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Kim H. DNA repair Ku proteins in gastric cancer cells and pancreatic acinar cells. Amino Acids 2006; 34:195-202. [PMID: 17031478 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-006-0411-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2006] [Accepted: 08/29/2006] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The DNA repair protein Ku acts as a heterodimer of Ku70 and Ku80 that binds to the DNA ends, nicks, or single-to-double-strand transition. It has a crucial role for DNA double-strand-break repair. Either Ku70 or Ku80 itself may have a unique function that is independent of the other Ku subunit. In this review, the role of Ku on cell proliferation and apoptosis will be discussed. Ku acts as a regulator of transcription by interacting with the recombination signal binding protein Jkappa and the NF-kappaB p50 homodimer to up-regulate p50 expression, which may regulate the proliferation of gastric cancer cells. Both Ku70 and Ku80 expressions are mediated by constitutively activated NF-kappaB and constitutively expressed cyclooxygenase-2 in gastric cancer cells, which may be related to gastric cell proliferation and carcinogenesis. In addition, nuclear loss of Ku may underlie the mechanism of apoptosis in pancreatic acinar cells after oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Kim
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Brain Korea 21 Project, College of Human Ecology and Biomolecule Secretion Research Center, Institute of Gastroenterology, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
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Kumar V, Mdzinarishvili A, Kiewert C, Abbruscato T, Bickel U, van der Schyf CJ, Klein J. NMDA receptor-antagonistic properties of hyperforin, a constituent of St. John's Wort. J Pharmacol Sci 2006; 102:47-54. [PMID: 16936454 DOI: 10.1254/jphs.fp0060378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracts of the medicinal plant St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) are widely used for the treatment of affective disorders. Hyperforin, a constituent of St. John's wort, is known to modulate the release and re-uptake of various neurotransmitters, an action that likely underlies its antidepressive activity. We now report that hyperforin also has N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-antagonistic effects. Hyperforin (10 microM) was found to inhibit the NMDA-induced calcium influx into cortical neurons. In rat hippocampal slices, hyperforin inhibited the NMDA-receptor-mediated release of choline from phospholipids. Hyperforin also antagonized the increase of water content in freshly isolated hippocampal slices, and it counteracted, at 3 and 10 microM, the increase of water content induced by NMDA. Hyperforin was inactive, however, in two in vivo models of brain edema formation, middle cerebral artery occlusion and water intoxication in mice. In conclusion, hyperforin has NMDA-receptor-antagonistic and potential neuroprotective effects in vitro. This effect may contribute to the therapeutic effectiveness of St. John's wort extracts in some situations, for example, for relapse prevention in alcoholism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Collaborative Stroke Center, Texas Tech School of Pharmacy, USA
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Poullain C, Girard-Valenciennes E, Smadja J. Plants from reunion island: evaluation of their free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2004; 95:19-26. [PMID: 15374602 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2004.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2003] [Revised: 05/28/2004] [Accepted: 05/28/2004] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
A total of 274 crude methanolic and dichloromethane extracts of endemic or indigenous plants from Reunion Island (75 species belonging to 35 families, 43 among them being used in the local traditional pharmacopoeia) have been qualitatively screened for their free radical scavenging (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical) and antioxidant (beta-carotene) activities. In this study, various species with appreciable activity were identified as potentially novel sources of free radical scavenging and antioxidant compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Poullain
- Laboratoire de Chimie des Substances Naturelles et des Sciences des Aliments, Université de la Réunion, 15 Avenue René Cassin, 97715 Saint Denis Messag., Cedex 9-La Réunion, France
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16
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Benedí J, Arroyo R, Romero C, Martín-Aragón S, Villar AM. Antioxidant properties and protective effects of a standardized extract of Hypericum perforatum on hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage in PC12 cells. Life Sci 2004; 75:1263-76. [PMID: 15219814 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2004.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2004] [Accepted: 05/04/2004] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities of a standardized extract of Hypericum perforatum (SHP) were examined for inhibition of lipid peroxidation, for hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and interaction with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl stable free radical (DPPH). Concentrations between 1 and 50 microg/ml of SHP effectively inhibited lipid peroxidation of rat brain cortex mitochondria induced by Fe2+/ascorbate or NADPH system. The results showed that SHP scavenged DPPH radical in a dose-dependent manner and also presented inhibitory effects on the activity of xanthine oxidase. In contrast, hydroxyl radical scavenging occurs at high doses. The protective effect of the standardized extract against H2O2-induced oxidative damage on the pheochromocytoma cell line PC 12 was investigated by measuring cell viability via 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays, caspase-3-enzyme activity and accumulation of reactive oxygen species [2',7'-dichlorofluorescin (DCF) assay]. Following 8-h cell exposure to H2O2 (300 microM), a marked reduction in cell survival was observed, which was significantly prevented by SHP (pre-incubated for 24 h) at 1-100 microg/ml. In a separate experiment, different concentrations of the standardized extract (0.1-100 microg/ml) also attenuated the increase in caspase-3 activity and suppressed the H2O2 -induced reactive oxygen species generation. Taken together, these results suggest that SHP shows relevant antioxidant activity both in vitro and in a cell system, by means of inhibiting free radical generation and lipid peroxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juana Benedí
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, Plaza Ramon y Cajal sn. 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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Jang MH, Shin MC, Cho YW, Baik HH, Kim SS, Hwang EG, Kim CJ. 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N'N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA-AM) inhibits caffeine-induced apoptosis in human neuroblastoma cells. Neurosci Lett 2004; 358:189-92. [PMID: 15039113 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2004.01.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2003] [Revised: 01/14/2004] [Accepted: 01/15/2004] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, it was investigated whether 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N'N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA-AM), an intracellular Ca(2+) chelator, possesses protective effect against caffeine-induced apoptosis in the central nervous system. Through morphological and biochemical analyses, cells treated with caffeine exhibited several apoptotic features. On the other hand, cells treated with caffeine and BAPTA-AM, showed decreased occurrence of apoptotic features. In addition, it was shown that BAPTA-AM treatment inhibits caffeine-induced increase of caspase-3 enzyme activity. These results show that caffeine induces apoptotic death in human SK-N-MC neuroblastoma cells and BAPTA-AM prevents apoptosis by attenuating caffeine-induced caspase-3 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Hyeon Jang
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, #1 Hoigi-dong, Dongdaemoon-gu, Seoul 130-701, South Korea
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18
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Arredondo MF, Blasina F, Echeverry C, Morquio A, Ferreira M, Abin-Carriquiry JA, Lafon L, Dajas F. Cytoprotection by Achyrocline satureioides (Lam) D.C. and some of its main flavonoids against oxidative stress. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2004; 91:13-20. [PMID: 15036461 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2003.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/13/2003] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies indicate that dietary antioxidants can influence the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases. Among them flavonoids have been proposed to be effective cytoprotectors. Consequently, herbs with a high concentration of these compounds such as Achyrocline satureioides, Ginkgo biloba and Epilobium parviflorum are of special interest. In this context a comparative study of the cytoprotective capacity of infusions from the three plants against an oxidative insult was performed. Hence, the cytoprotective activity of each infusion against H2O2 injury to PC12 cells was tested and the antioxidant capacity was assessed by the ABTS*+ radical bleaching assay. Free and glycosylated flavonoids contained in the infusions were identified by HPLC and the cytoprotective effect of some of these individual flavonoids was tested. The analysis of the flavonoid content of the infusions revealed different profiles. Epilobium parviflorum infusion showed the highest antioxidant capacity but only Achyrocline satureioides infusion proved to be cytoprotective. Moreover, the free flavonoids quercetin and luteolin contained in this infusion were also cytoprotective. In conclusion, the free radical scavenger capacity did not correlate with the cytoprotective profile of the infusions. The special mixture of unglycosylated Achyrocline satureioides flavonoids could be a clue to explain the unique effect of this plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Arredondo
- Department of Neurochemistry, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas, Clemente Estable, Avda Italia 3318, CP 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
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Song JY, Lim JW, Kim H, Morio T, Kim KH. Oxidative stress induces nuclear loss of DNA repair proteins Ku70 and Ku80 and apoptosis in pancreatic acinar AR42J cells. J Biol Chem 2003; 278:36676-87. [PMID: 12867423 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m303692200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell death linked to oxidative DNA damage has been implicated in acute pancreatitis. The severe DNA damage, which is beyond the capacity of the DNA repair proteins, triggers apoptosis. It has been hypothesized that oxidative stress may induce a decrease in the Ku70 and Ku80 levels and apoptosis in pancreatic acinar cells. In this study, it was found that oxidative stress caused by glucose oxidase (GO) acting on beta-d-glucose, glucose/glucose oxidase (G/GO), induced slight changes in cytoplasmic Ku70 and Ku80 but drastically induced a decrease in nuclear Ku70 and Ku80 both time- and concentration-dependently in AR42J cells. G/GO induced apoptosis determined by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage, an increase in expression of p53 and Bax, and a decrease in Bcl-2 expression. G/GO-induced apoptosis was in parallel with the loss of nuclear Ku proteins in AR42J cells. Caspase-3 inhibitor prevented G/GO-induced nuclear Ku loss and cell death. G/GO did not induce apoptosis in the cells transfected with either the Ku70 or Ku80 expression gene but increased apoptosis in those transfected with the Ku dominant negative mutant. Pulse and pulse-chase results show that G/GO induced Ku70 and Ku80 syntheses, even though Ku70 and Ku80 were degraded both in cytoplasm and nucleus. G/GO-induced decrease in Ku binding to importin alpha and importin beta reflects possible modification of nuclear import of Ku proteins. The importin beta level was not changed by G/GO. These results demonstrate that nuclear decrease in Ku70 and Ku80 may result from the decrease in Ku binding to nuclear transporter importins and the degradation of Ku proteins. The nuclear loss of Ku proteins may underlie the mechanism of apoptosis in pancreatic acinar cells after oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Yeon Song
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute of Gastroenterology, Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752, Korea
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