CNS inhibitory effects of barakol, a constituent of Cassia siamia Lamk

Effects of barakol from Cassia siamea on neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line: A potential combined therapy with doxorubicin

Management of neuroblastoma is challenging because of poor response to drugs, chemotherapy resistance, high relapse, and treatment failures. Doxorubicin is a potent anticancer drug commonly used for neuroblastoma treatment. However, doxorubicin induces considerable toxicities, particularly those caused by oxidative-related damage. To minimize drug-induced adverse effects, the combined use of anticancer drugs with natural-derived compounds possessing antioxidant properties has become an interesting treatment strategy. Barakol is a major compound found in Cassia siamea, an edible plant with antioxidant and anticancer properties. Therefore, barakol could potentially be used in combination with doxorubicin to synergize the anticancer effect, while minimizing the oxidative-related toxicities. Herein, the potential of barakol (0.0043-43.0 μM) to synergize the anticancer effect of low-dose doxorubicin (0.5 and 1.0 μM) was investigated. Results indicated that barakol could enhance the cytotoxic effect of low-dose doxorubicin by affecting the cell viability of the treated cells. Furthermore, the co-treatment with barakol and low-dose doxorubicin decreased the levels of intracellular ROS when compared with the control. Moreover, the antimetastatic effect of the barakol itself was studied through its ability to inhibit metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) activity and prevent cell migration. Results revealed that the barakol inhibited MMP-3 activity and prevented cell migration in time- and dose-dependent manners. Additionally, barakol was a non-cytotoxic agent against the normal tested cell line (MRC-5), which suggested its selectivity and safety. Taken together, barakol could be a promising compound to be further developed for combination treatment with low-dose doxorubicin to improve therapeutic effectiveness but decrease drug-induced toxicities. The inhibitory effects of barakol on MMP-3 activity and cancer cell migration also supported its potential to be developed as an antimetastatic agent.

In-vitro anti-inflammatory activity of serine protease inhibitor from Cassia siamea and Dolichos biflorus: A comparative study

Cassia siamea is a nonedible legume belonging to Fabaceae. The seed of C. siamea contains ~16% of protein. The study reports the biochemical characterization of purified novel serine protease inhibitor from seeds of C. siamea, aimed with assessing the anti-inflammatory activity. The seed extract was subjected to ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC)-anion exchange chromatography and affinity-chromatography to obtain a relative pure protease inhibitor. Thirty-fivefold purification with the specific activity of 250 U/mg of trypsin inhibitory unit was obtained. The characterization of protease inhibitor for optimum temperature, pH, and metal ions were measured using N-α-benzoyl-DL-arginine-p-nitroanilide (BAPNA) assay and casein zymogram. The C. siamea trypsin inhibitor (CsTI) has a relative molecular mass of 25.540 kDa. Purified CsTI and Dolichos biflorus were tested for anti-inflammatory efficacy against A549 and RAW264.7 cell lines. The inhibitory activity of both purified inhibitors are comparable and are potent toward anti-inflammatory activity. The purified inhibitor shows to be a promising candidate as anti-inflammatory agent by targeting the serine proteases.

The Role of Chinese Herbal Therapy in Methamphetamine Abuse and its Induced Psychiatric Symptoms

Repeated intake of methamphetamine (METH) leads to drug addiction, the inability to control intake, and strong drug cravings. It is also likely to cause psychiatric impairments, such as cognitive impairment, depression, and anxiety. Because the specific neurobiological mechanisms involved are complex and have not been fully and systematically elucidated, there is no established pharmacotherapy for METH abuse. Studies have found that a variety of Chinese herbal medicines have significant therapeutic effects on neuropsychiatric symptoms and have the advantage of multitarget comprehensive treatment. We conducted a systematic review, from neurobiological mechanisms to candidate Chinese herbal medicines, hoping to provide new perspectives and ideas for the prevention and treatment of METH abuse.

Potential Anti-Acetylcholinesterase Activity of Cassia timorensis DC

Seventeen methanol extracts from different plant parts of five different Cassia species, including C. timorensis, C. grandis, C. fistula, C. spectabilis, and C. alata were screened against acetylcholinesterase (AChE). C. timorensis extracts were found to exhibit the highest inhibition towards AChE whereby the leaf, stem, and flower methanol extracts showed 94-97% inhibition. As far as we are aware, C. timorensis is one of the least explored Cassia spp. for bioactivity. Further fractionation led to the identification of six compounds, isolated for the first time from C. timorensis: 3-methoxyquercetin (1), benzenepropanoic acid (2), 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid (3), β-sitosterol (4), stigmasterol (5), and 1-octadecanol (6). Compound 1 showed moderate inhibition towards AChE (IC50: 83.71 μM), while the other compounds exhibited poor to slightly moderate AChE inhibitory activity. Molecular docking revealed that the methoxy substitution of 1 formed a hydrogen bond with TYR121 at the peripheral anionic site (PAS) and the hydroxyl group at C5 formed a covalent hydrogen bond with ASP72. Additionally, the OH group at the C3' position formed an interaction with the protein at the acyl pocket (PHE288). This possibly explains the activity of 1 in blocking the entry of acetylcholine (ACh, the neurotransmitter), thus impeding the hydrolysis of ACh.

Pancreatic Lipase Inhibitory Activity of Cassiamin A, a Bianthraquinone from Cassia siamea

In continuation towards the discovery of potential antiobesity lead(s) from natural products, we have screened n-hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and methanol (MeOH) extracts of 33 Indian medicinal plants (200 extracts) for in vitro pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity. Of the screened extracts, the EtOAc extract of Cassia siamea roots showed 74.3±1.4% enzyme inhibition at 250 μg/mL concentration. Bioassay guided fractionation of the active extract afforded 6 known compounds viz. chrysophanol (1), physcion (2), emodin (3), cassiamin A (4), friedelin (5) and cycloart-25-en-3β,24-diol (6). These compounds were further evaluated for pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity. Cassiamin A (4), a bianthraquinone, was found to be most active with an IC50 value of 41.8±1.2 μM and compounds 2 and 5 were found to be moderate enzyme inhibitors. Results indicate the antiobesity potential of C. siamea through pancreatic lipase inhibition.

Barakol-induced apoptosis in P19 cells through generation of reactive oxygen species and activation of caspase-9

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Barakol, an anxiolytic agent isolated from Senna siamea leaves which has been traditionally used for producing natural sleep, has been described as toxic to patients.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of current study was to investigate the molecular mechanism of barakol-induced toxicity in mouse embryonal carcinoma P19 cell model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

XTT assay was used to determine cell viability in P19 cells treated with barakol. Apoptotic cells were detected by Hoechst 33342 staining. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was analyzed by flow cytometry using a fluorescent dye, DCFH-DA. Detection of apoptotic protein expression in P19 cells was performed by Western blot analysis. Caspase-9 activity was measured using a fluorescent immunosorbent enzyme assay kit.

RESULTS

Treatment with barakol decreased cell viability in a concentration- and time-dependent manner with an IC(50) value of 1.5mM in 24-h treated cells. A Hoechst 33342 assay revealed that barakol cytotoxicity was due to a significant increase in the number of apoptotic cells. Different scavengers to characterize ROS were utilized and revealed that hydroxyl radicals played a major role in ROS-induced apoptosis in barakol-treated cells. Western blot analysis demonstrated that barakol-induced apoptosis was mediated by the increase in expression ratio of Bax/Bcl-2. Furthermore, increase in caspase-9 activity after exposure to barakol for 24h was also observed. Pretreatment of cells with N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) attenuated intracellular ROS generation, the Bax/Bcl-2 protein expression, and apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The mechanism of barakol-mediated toxicity in P19 cells is mainly associated with the ROS generation, followed by the imbalance of the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and caspase-9 activation leading to apoptotic cell death. Pretreatment of cells with NAC could antagonize the toxicity produced by barakol.

Anticonvulsant activity of solasodine isolated from Solanum sisymbriifolium fruits in rodents

CONTEXT

Solanum sisymbriifolium Lam. (Solanaceae), commonly known as sticky nightshade, is traditionally used for central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Although solasodine has been isolated from this plant, little is known about its anticonvulsant and CNS depressant actions.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated anticonvulsant and CNS depressant effects of solasodine isolated from S. sisymbriifolium using several experimental models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Swiss albino mice (n=6) were employed for pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and picrotoxin (PCT)-induced convulsions and thiopental-induced sleep time. Different groups of Wistar albino rats (n=6) were subjected to maximal electroshock (MES) test. Solasodine, a steroidal glycoalkaloid, was isolated from dried fruits of S. sisymbriifolium and identified by GC-MS.

RESULTS

The results showed that intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of solasodine (25 mg/kg) significantly delayed (p < 0.01) latency of hind limb tonic extensor (HLTE) phase in the PCT-induced convulsions. In the MES model, solasodine significantly reduced (p < 0.001) duration of HLTE at 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, i.p. in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, solasodine did not produce any significant reduction in PTZ-induced convulsions. Prior treatment of solasodine (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly potentiated thiopental-provoked sleep in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.001).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Our study, for the first time, shows potent anticonvulsant and CNS depressant activities of solasodine. It is likely that solasodine, in part, is responsible for the anticonvulsant and sedative properties of S. sisymbriifolium. The future study should focus on the exact mechanism of action of solasodine.

Neuropharmacological activity of hydroalcoholic extract of leaves of Colocasia esculenta

CONTEXT

Although Colocasia esculenta Linn. (Araceae), commonly known as elephant ear (English), possesses diverse pharmacological activities in animals, little is known about its neuropharmacological activity.

OBJECTIVE

The present study evaluated the neuropharmacological activities of hydroalcoholic extract of leaves of Colocasia esculenta (HECE) using several experimental models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adult Wistar albino rats were subjected to behavior despair and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests. Thiopental-induced sedation and rotarod tests were conducted on Swiss albino mice.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The effects of HECE on anxiety, depression, thiopental-induced sleeping time, and rotarod performance were evaluated. The anxiolytic activity of HECE (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) per os (p.o.) was characterized by increased time spent and number of entries in open arms in the EPM paradigm as compared to control group (p < 0.001). The HECE (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) showed dose-dependent significant reduction in duration of immobility (p < 0.01) in the behavior despair test. The HECE at the doses 50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p. was found to produce a significant reduction in motor coordination (p < 0.001) and prolongation of thiopental-induced sleeping time (p < 0.001). The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, β-sitosterol, and steroids.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the study for the first time show that the plant possesses neuropharmacological activity, confirming the traditional claims. Future research should focus on the identification and the neurobehavioral activity of the constituents from this plant.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of Cassia siamea Lam. stem bark extracts

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study was carried out to investigate analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Cassia siamea Lam stem bark extracts. We have also determined the cytotoxicity of each extract.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

C. siamea, a widespread medicinal plant traditionally used in sub-Saharan Africa, was collected in Congo Brazzaville. Stem bark was extracted with petroleum ether (CSE1), chloroform (CSE2), ethanol (CSE3) and water (CSE4). Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities of these extracts were assessed in rats with hot plate test, paw pressure and carrageenan induced paw oedema. Cytotoxicity was assessed against KB and Vero cells.

RESULTS

At the doses used (100, 200, and 400mg/kg) ethanol and water extracts showed significant and dose-dependent analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. None of the extracts had cytotoxic activity on KB and Vero cell lines and the most active extracts (CSE3 and CSE4) had no acute toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

The study highlighted the analgesic and anti-inflammatory of C. siamea stem bark. Four major families of compounds present in the plant may explain these activities: triterpenes (lupeol, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, friedelin, betulin), flavonoids (apigenin, kaempferol, luteolin), anthraquinones (emodin), phytosterols (stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol).

Quantitative analysis of barakol content in Senna siamea leaves and flowers by TLC-densitometry

OBJECTIVE

To develop a TLC-densitometric method for the determination of barakol content in Senna siamea leaf and flower extracts, and to compare the barakol content in mature leaves, young leaves and young flowers of the plant which are consumed as a vegetable in curry.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The extraction of pure barakol was performed by boiling the fresh young leaves of S. siamea with 0.5% sulfuric acid followed by chloroform extraction. The extract was further purified and recrystallized from absolute ethanol. Authentic sample of barakol was used for the validation of the TLC-densitometric method. Chromatography was performed on a TLC aluminium plate precoated with silica gel 60 F(254)as a stationary phase and chloroform-methanol (85:15 v/v) as a solvent system. Fifteen percent ethanolic extracts of mature leaves, young leaves and flowers of S. siamea were analyzed and compared for barakol content using the validated TLC-densitometric method. Both the validation and analysis of barakol by TLC-densitometry were carried out at the absorbance mode of 366 nm.

RESULTS

Barakol was extracted as pure lemon-yellow crystals from young S. siamea leaves with 0.1% yield. Linearity was found over the range of 200-900 ng/spot (r(2) = 0.997). The developed method gave high precision (%RSD < 0.50) and accuracy (average 101.12%). The limit of detection and limit of quantitation were 8 and 50 ng, respectively. Barakol content in young leaves, mature leaves and young flowers were 1.67, 0.78 and 1.43% dry weight, respectively. R(f) value of the barakol in young leaves, young flowers and authentic sample was the same: 0.45 +/- 0.03.

CONCLUSION

The TLC-densitometric method was simple, precise and convenient; hence it is an effective procedure for the simultaneous determination of barakol in plant extracts.

Evaluation of anxiolytic activity of spray dried powders of two South BrazilianPassiflora species

The Passiflora extracts have been used in folk medicine because of its reputed sedative and anxiolytic properties. The present study aimed to compare the potential anxiolytic activity of two Passiflora spray-dried powders obtained from P. alata and P. edulis, known in Brazil as 'maracujá'. Male adult Swiss rats were treated with 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg of spray-dried powders p.o. and anxiolytic activity was evaluated using the elevated plus-maze test. The spray-dried powders showed anxiolytic activity in doses of 400 and 800 mg/kg. Our results support the potential anxiolytic effect of Passiflora spray-dried powders (P. alata and P. edulis).