Toxicological evaluation of ethanolic extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum in albino wistar rats

Combinative effects of akarkara root-derived metabolites on anti-inflammatory and anti-alzheimer key enzymes: integrating bioassay-guided fractionation, GC-MS analysis, and in silico studies

BACKGROUND

Anacyclus pyrethrum L. (Akarkara root), a valuable Ayurvedic remedy, is reported to exhibit various pharmacological activities. Akarkara root was subjected to bioassay-guided fractionation, to isolate its active constituents and discover their potential bioactivities, followed by computational analysis.

METHODS

The methanol extract and its fractions, methylene chloride, and butanol, were assessed for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticholinergic potentials. The antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and ORAC assays. The in vitro anticholinergic effect was evaluated via acetyl- and butyryl-cholinesterase inhibition, while anti-inflammatory effect weas determined using COX-2 and 5-LOX inhibitory assays. The methylene chloride fraction was subjected to GC/MS analysis and chromatographic fractionation to isolate its major compounds. The inhibitory effect on iNOS and various inflammatory mediators in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages was investigated. In silico computational analyses (molecular docking, ADME, BBB permeability prediction, and molecular dynamics) were performed.

RESULTS

Forty-one compounds were identified and quantified and the major compounds, namely, oleamide (A1), stigmasterol (A2), 2E,4E-deca-2,4-dienoic acid 2-phenylethyl amide (A3), and pellitorine (A4) were isolated from the methylene chloride fraction, the most active in all assays. All compounds showed significant in vitro antioxidant, anticholinergic and anti-inflammatory effects. They inhibited the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) in activated RAW macrophages. The isolated compounds showed good fitting in the active sites of acetylcholinesterase and COX-2 with high docking scores. The ADME study revealed proper pharmacokinetics and drug likeness properties for the isolated compounds. The isolated compounds demonstrated high ability to cross the BBB and penetrate the CNS with values ranging from 1.596 to -1.651 in comparison with Donepezil (-1.464). Molecular dynamics simulation revealed stable conformations and binding patterns of the isolated compounds with the active sites of COX-2 and acetyl cholinesterase.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultimately, our results specify Akarkara compounds as promising candidates for the treatment of inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases.

The impact of hydroalcoholic extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum plant on epileptic seizure induced by pentylenetetrazole in male rat

Background

The aim was to evaluate the protective effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum root (APE) against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) drug which is used for inducing epileptic seizures in animal model.

Results

50 male rats were divided: control (without any intervention), positive control 1st (received PTZ 60 mg/kg, IP), first experimental group (PTZ + Extract 500 mg/kg, gavages, 30 min before PTZ), positive control 2nd (PTZ + Phaclofen, 200 µg/µl, ICV), and second experimental group (PTZ + extract 500 mg/kg, gavage, 30 min before PTZ + Phaclofen 200 µg/µl, ICV). Several parameters were assessed during 20 min and followed up for 1.5 h. Then, the data were analyzed. APE with a dose of 500 mg/kg increased the latency time of seizures in the first experimental group, compared to the positive control 1st, also, comparison of different groups in terms of Seizure Score at the 1st time (severity of first attack) had no significant difference (P-value = 0.51, P-value = 0.34). The mean of seizure attacks (event number) was significant between the first and second positive control groups (P-value = 0.01) and also between the second positive control and the first experimental group (P-value = 0.011). Significant changes were observed in the mean score of the first and second positive control groups (P-value = 0.001) and the first experimental and second positive control groups (P-value = 0.003). In addition, the second experimental group had significant changes compared to the first positive control group (P-value = 0.014), However, no significant changes were observed between the positive control and experimental groups in terms of the severity of seizures.

Conclusion

Results have shown both blocked GABAergic receptors A and B involved in epileptic seizures. In addition, APE root increased delay time of epileptic seizures, as well as reduces epileptic seizure in dose response state.

Brown algae and barley-based anti-obesity food and its safety in C57BL6 mice

Brown algae have been considered a potential source of bioactives and used as a dietary supplement to manage obesity and its associated health complications. However, its effective use is limited due to heavy metals and microbial contamination, unawareness of health benefits and limited dietary exploitation. We developed, the Indian brown algae Padina tetrastromatica and barley-based anti-obesity food (AOF) and examined for microbial and heavy metal safety. Additionally, acute [0 (control), 50, 100, 200, 500 g AOF/kg diet] and sub-acute [0, 5, 50 g AOF/kg diet] doses of AOF were fed to C57BL6 mice and toxicity was examined. The physical, locomotory, hematological, biochemical parameters and histopathology were examined. Postprandial plasma and tissue levels of fucoxanthin and its metabolites were analyzed. Feeding AOF did not affect the general behavior, food and water intake, growth or survival of animals. Biochemical indices did not show any differences between AOF-fed and control groups. However, significantly lower levels of plasma cholesterol and triglycerides in groups fed 5 and 50 g of AOF/kg diet were observed. The post-mortem examination revealed no macroscopic/microscopic alteration in the vital organs. Overall, results validate that AOF is a safe and effective dietary supplement (even at higher doses of 500 g AOF/kg) to mitigate obesity.

Graphical abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-022-05483-4.

Phytochemistry, Biological and Pharmacological Activities of the Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) Lag: A Systematic Review

Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) (Asteraceae) is an important annual medicinal herb and is widespread in Morocco and Algeria. Most of its parts are used in traditional medicine and the roots are the most important parts used. The present review gives an account of the updated information on its phytochemical and pharmacological properties. We have collected the essential characteristics and the different scientific data of the A. pyrethrum species, and reviewed its potential. It is seen from the literature that A. pyrethrum is a rich source of the phytochemical constituents such as alkaloids (pellitorin) and n-alkylamides. This species also contains pyrethrins, sesamin, traces of essential oils and a wide range of other chemical compounds. These active substances possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. The plant has an antidiabetic, insecticidal and immunostimulatory effect, as well as an aphrodisiac and antioxidant potentials, and various other important medicinal properties. Many traditional uses are also reported in previous research such as for rheumatism, sciatica, colds, neuralgia and paralysis. This species is considered to be a sialagogue, and used in the treatment of stomach ailments, diseases of inflammation of the mouth, against cysts in the genital tract and to relieve toothaches. Thus, further research must be carried out in order to establish any relationship between the traditional uses, phytochemistry and toxicity. Moreover, A. pyrethrum is quite promising as a medicinal agent, so further clinical trials should be performed to prove its efficacy.

Antiseizure effects of Anacyclus pyrethrum in socially isolated rats with and without a positive handling strategy

OBJECTIVE

Aqueous extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum (AEAPR) is used in traditional medicine to treat epilepsy, but whether it has antiseizure properties has not been established. Because extracts of the plant have antioxidant properties, we hypothesized that it may be particularly potent in conditions associated with oxidative stress, in particular social isolation.

METHODS

We addressed these objectives in the pilocarpine experimental model of epilepsy using socially isolated rats maintaining contacts with (handled) and without (unhandled) positive handling strategy. Both groups were further divided into treated (AEAPR was added to the drinking water) and untreated groups. Continuous (24/7) electroencephalography (EEG) recordings started in the sixth week after status epilepticus (SE) with a predrug control period of 3 weeks, followed by 3 weeks of daily treatment with AEAPR or water, and finally a postdrug control period of 3 weeks. At the end of the experimental procedure, we measured lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase activities in the hippocampus to assess oxidative stress.

RESULTS

A. pyrethrum treatment significantly reduced seizure frequency by 51% and 57%, duration by 30% and 33%, and severity by 31% and 26% in isolated handled and unhandled rats, respectively. The beneficial effects on seizures were still present 3 weeks after the end of the treatment. The treatment reduced lipid peroxidation as well as SOD, GPx, and catalase activities.

SIGNIFICANCE

We conclude that A. pyrethrum has antiseizure and antioxidant properties, even in social isolation conditions.

Poisonous medicinal plants used in the popular pharmacopoeia of the Rif, northern Morocco

Popular herbal medicine has served as a unique health provider for human beings for thousands of years. In the present study, we document the toxic plants used as medicines in the Rif, intending to assess the knowledge of indigenous people on the toxicity of the natural products used. Ethnobotanical survey was conducted in the Rif, northern Morocco between June 2016 and June 2018 using semi-structured questionnaires and focus groups. An investigation of the scientific literature was conducted to sustain or verify the claimed toxicological information. A total of 84 species of plants belonging to 67 genera and 30 families were reported as being used in the prevention and treatment of diseases. The families reported to be most representatives of these kinds of plants are Asteraceae and Fabaceae (7 species). However, the highly toxic plant prescribed was Rosmarinus officinalis L. Leaf was the most commonly used plant part, and the majority of herbal remedies were prepared from a decoction (40.6%). The results of this investigation showed that the local people in the Rif are still dependent on herbal medicine. These species used for remedial purposes are noted to have a potential toxic impact associated with their irrational consumption. Therefore, we recommend that attention should be observed when using them as medicinal sources.

Toxicological evaluation of Sargassum Wightii greville derived fucoidan in wistar rats: Haematological, biochemical and histopathological evidences

Objective

The present study aimed to investigate the acute and subacute toxicity profile of fucoidan obtained from Sargassum wightii Greville, a brown marine algae in order to assess its safety.

Methods

Fucoidan was isolated from Sargassum wightii Greviile and subjected to FTIR analysis to confirm the functional groups. In acute toxicity study, a single dose of fucoidan (2000 mg/kg) was orally administered to three female rats as per OECD guideline 423. OECD guidelines 407 was adopted for subacute toxicity study. Fucoidan was orally administered to male and female rats at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg. Hematological, biochemical and histopathological analyses were carried out.

Results

FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of major functional groups. The animals did not show any remarkable toxic signs or mortality in acute toxicity study at single oral administration of fucoidan at the dose of 2000 mg/kg bodyweight. In subacute toxicity, no statistically significant difference in body weight, relative weight of vital organs, food and water intake compared to the control group was observed. Serum glucose and cholesterol showed a statistically significant reduction at all the doses when compared to normal control and the reduction was in a dose dependent manner. There were no other changes observed in biochemical or haematological parameters. Histopathological analysis showed no significant toxic signs at organ levels in treated groups when compared to normal control.

Conclusions

Based on the results obtained from acute and subacute toxicity study, fucoidan is considered to be safe in the models tested, which encourages its long term administration for medicinal uses. This study supports the application of fucoidan as a traditional medicine.

Comparative evaluation of a novel herbal anesthetic gel and 2% lignocaine gel as an intraoral topical anesthetic agent in children: Bilateral split-mouth, single-blind, crossover in vivo study

BACKGROUND

Topical anesthetics have an intrinsic part to reduce pricking pain sensation due to needle stick before injection in children.

AIM

The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a novel herbal anesthetic gel used as a topical anesthetic before an inferior alveolar nerve block.

SETTINGSANDDESIGN

This was a bilateral split-mouth, single blind, crossoverin vivo study.

METHODS

Atotal number of 30 children were selected for this study design. After the application of the topical anesthesia, a 26-gauge needle was inserted in the mucobuccal fold and local anesthetic solution was deposited. Assessment of pain perception was done before the procedure and at the time of needle penetration using hemodynamic parameters such as blood pressure and heart rate. The objective and subjective pain assessment was recoded through sound eye motor scale and Faces Pain Scale-Revised (FPS-R).

STATISTICALANALYSIS

As the data followed a normal distribution, parametric tests were used to analyze these data. The independent sample t-test and paired sample t-test were used to check the mean differences.

RESULTS

The data showed no statistically significant differences in the objective and subjective pain assessment values of the novel herbal anesthetic gel compared to the 2% lignocaine gel. However, the intragroup comparisons of the before and during treatment results showed statistically significant results (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The novel herbal anesthetic gel was effective and safe in reducing the pain from needle insertion. Thus, setting up scientific evidence for the therapeutic usage of herbal products can, therefore, assist to develop a more efficient and alternative topical anesthetic.

Improvement of fertility parameters with Tribulus Terrestris and Anacyclus Pyrethrum treatment in male rats

OBJECTIVE

Anacyclus Pyrethrum (AP) and Tribulus Terrestris (TT) have been reported as male infertility treatment in several studies; however, in Iranian traditional medicine these two plants are prescribed simultaneously. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of AP and TT extracts both separately and simultaneously on the male Wistar rat fertility parameters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

32 male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: Control, TT, AP, and AT treated groups. Treatment continued for 25 days and rats were weighed daily. Their testes were dissected for histological studies. Sperm analysis including sperm count, viability and motility were performed. Serum was obtained to evaluate testosterone, LH and FSH levels. Histological studies were conducted to study Leydig, and Sertoli cells, spermatogonia and spermatid cell numbers, and to measure seminiferous diameter and epithelium thickness.

RESULTS

Sperm count increased in all the treatment groups. Sperm viability and motility in AT and AP groups were elevated. TT and AT groups showed signifi cantly increased testosterone level compared to control group (P=004, P=0.000, respectively) and TT, AP and AT treatment groups showed increased LH level (P=0.002, P=0.03 and P=0.000, respectively) compared to control, while only AT group showed increased FSH (p=0.006) compared to control. Histological studies showed signifi cant increase of spermatogonia, Leydig and Sertoli cell numbers and epithelial thickness in AT group compared to other groups. All the treatment groups had higher number of Leydig, spermatogonia and spermatid cells.

CONCLUSION

TT and AP improved sexual parameters; however, their simultaneous administration had higher improving effects on studied parameters.

Hepatoprotective effect of Anacyclus pyrethrum Linn. against antitubercular drug-induced hepatotoxicity in SD rats

BACKGROUND

Traditional remedies employ herbal drugs for the treatment of liver ailments and hepatoprotection. Thus, the present study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of "extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum Linn" (APE) against antitubercular drug-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

METHODS

Group I rats (normal control) received vehicle (1 % CMC), while group II rats (hepatotoxic control) isoniazid (INH) plus rifampicin (RIF) each 50 mg/kg/day po, for 28 days. Group III, IV and V rats were administered with APE 200, APE 400 and silymarin 100 mg/kg/day po, respectively, for 28 days. Concurrently, hepatotoxicity was tried to induce by coadministration of INH and RIF each 50 mg/kg/day po for 28 days in group III, IV and V rats. After 24 h of the last dosing, blood was obtained under light anesthesia and the rats were killed. Hepatoprotective effect was assessed by liver weight, relative liver weight and biochemical parameters such as serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), serum bilirubin, cholesterol, total protein and albumin levels.

RESULTS

Group IV rats showed significant (p<0.01) decrease in SGPT, SGOT, ALP, LDH, cholesterol, serum bilirubin, liver weight and relative liver weight Levels, while significant (p<0.01) increase in final body weight (b. wt.), total protein and albumin levels as compared to group II rats. Hepatoprotective effect of APE 400 mg/kg/day was comparable to that of silymarin 100 mg/kg/day and the hepatic marker levels were also restored. Hepatoprotective effect of APE was well supported by the histopathological results.

CONCLUSIONS

Hydroalcoholic APE root possesses hepatoprotective activity as it exhibited the protective effect against INH plus RIF-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.