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Reddy K, Stafford GI, Makunga NP. Skeletons in the closet? Using a bibliometric lens to visualise phytochemical and pharmacological activities linked to Sceletium, a mood enhancer. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1268101. [PMID: 38576783 PMCID: PMC10991851 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1268101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Plants from the Sceletium genus (Aizoaceae) have been traditionally used for millennia by the Khoe and Khoen people in southern Africa, as an appetite suppressant as well as a mood elevator. In more recent times, this mood-elevating activity has been commercialised in the South African natural products industry for the treatment of anxiety and depression, with several products available both locally and abroad. Research on this species has seen rapid growth with advancements in analytical and pharmacological tools, in an effort to understand the composition and biological activity. The Web of Science (WoS) database was searched for articles related to 'Sceletium' and 'Mesembrine'. These data were additionally analysed by bibliometric software (VOSviewer) to generate term maps and author associations. The thematic areas with the most citations were South African Traditional Medicine for mental health (110) and anxiolytic agents (75). Pioneer studies in the genus focused on chemical structural isolation, purification, and characterisation and techniques such as thin layer chromatography, liquid chromatography (HPLC, UPLC, and more recently, LC-MS), gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to study mesembrine alkaloids. Different laboratories have used a diverse range of extraction and preanalytical methods that became routinely favoured in the analysis of the main metabolites (mesembrine, mesembranol, mesembranone, and Sceletium A4) in their respective experimental settings. In contrast with previous reviews, this paper identified gaps in the research field, being a lack of toxicology assays, a deficit of clinical assessments, too few bioavailability studies, and little to no investigation into the minor alkaloid groups found in Sceletium. Future studies are likely to see innovations in analytical techniques like leaf spray mass spectrometry and direct analysis in real-time ionisation coupled with high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (DART-HR-TOF-MS) for rapid alkaloid identification and quality control purposes. While S. tortuosum has been the primary focus, studying other Sceletium species may aid in establishing chemotaxonomic relationships and addressing challenges with species misidentification. This research can benefit the nutraceutical industry and conservation efforts for the entire genus. At present, little to no pharmacological information is available in terms of the molecular physiological effects of mesembrine alkaloids in medical clinical settings. Research in these fields is expected to increase due to the growing interest in S. tortuosum as a herbal supplement and the potential development of mesembrine alkaloids into pharmaceutical drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaylan Reddy
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Natural Sciences Faculty, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Gary I. Stafford
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Nokwanda P. Makunga
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Natural Sciences Faculty, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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Gericke J, Harvey BH, Pretorius L, Ollewagen T, Benecke RM, Smith C. Sceletium tortuosum-derived mesembrine significantly contributes to the anxiolytic effect of Zembrin®, but its anti-depressant effect may require synergy of multiple plant constituents. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117113. [PMID: 37660956 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE Sceletium tortuosum (L.) N.E.Br. (ST) is an alkaloid-rich succulent plant with various mechanisms of action that infer psychotropic effects. These actions correlate with clinical evidence suggesting efficacy in the treatment of depression and anxiety, in line with its use by indigenous populations. Its low side effect profile suggests potential of ST to improve the overall wellbeing and compliance of millions of patients that experience severe side effects and/or do not respond to current prescription medication. However, to elucidate specific physiological effects of ST extracts, it is necessary to first understand which of its constituents are the major contributors to beneficial effects demonstrated for ST in this context. AIM OF THE STUDY To determine an anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effective concentration of a ST extract by means of a dose response in zebrafish (ZF) larvae, and to assess relative contributions of equivalent concentrations of isolated alkaloids contained in the effective concentration(s). MATERIALS AND METHODS A dose response study employing a light-dark transition test (LDTT) was done in ZF larvae (<5 days post fertilization) to track locomotor activity in terms of anxiety-like (hyperlocomotion) and depression-like (hypolocomotion) behaviour. Larvae were treated for 1 h directly before the LDTT with escalating concentrations of a ST extract commercially known as Zembrin® (Zem) ranging from 0.25 to 500 μg/mL and compared to an untreated control group (n = 12 per treatment concentration). LDTT was repeated after 24 h to evaluate long-term exposure toxicity. The concentration that best attenuated hyperlocomotion during the dark phase following light-dark transition was identified as the anxiolytic-like concentration. This concentration, plus one higher and one lower concentration, were used for subsequent tests. The percentage content of each alkaloid (mesembrine, mesembrenone, mesembrenol, and mesembranol) in these concentrations were calculated and applied to additional larvae to identify the most effective anxiolytic-like alkaloid in the LDTT. To identify antidepressant-like therapeutic concentration and equivalent alkaloid concentration, the same treatment concentrations were tested in larvae (n = 12 per treatment concentration) pre-exposed to reserpine for 24 h. Depending on normality of data distribution, Brown-Forsythe and Welch, or Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA were used, with Dunnett or Dunn's multiple comparisons tests. RESULTS Only the extreme concentration of Zem (500 μg/mL) elicited toxicity after treatment for 24 h. Zem 12.5 μg/mL was the most effective anxiolytic-like concentration as it significantly decreased locomotor activity (P = 0.05) in the LDTT. Low (5 μg/mL), optimal (12.5 μg/mL) and high (25 μg/mL) Zem concentrations, as well as treatment solutions of single alkaloids (mesembrine, mesembrenone, mesembranol and mesembrenol), prepared to contain equivalent concentrations of each major alkaloid contained within these three concentrations of Zem, were tested further. Only mesembrine concentrations equal to that contained within the optimal and high dose of Zem (12.5 and 25 μg/mL) showed significant anxiolytic-like effects (P < 0.05). Only the highest Zem concentration (25 μg/mL) reversed the effects of reserpine - indicating antidepressant-like properties (P < 0.05) - while isolated alkaloids failed to induce such effects when administered in isolation. CONCLUSIONS Current data provide evidence of both anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effect of whole extract of Zem, with relatively higher concentrations required to achieve antidepressant-like effect. Of all alkaloids assessed, only mesembrine contributed significantly to the anxiolytic-like effects of Zem. No alkaloid alone could be pinpointed as a contributor to the antidepressant-like activity observed for higher concentration Zem. This may be due to synergistic effects of the alkaloids or may be due to other components not tested here. Current data warrants further investigation into mechanisms of action, as well as potential synergy, of ST alkaloids in suitable mammalian in vivo models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johané Gericke
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
| | - Brian H Harvey
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.
| | - Lesha Pretorius
- Experimental Medicine Research Group, Dept of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
| | - Tracey Ollewagen
- Experimental Medicine Research Group, Dept of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
| | - Rohan M Benecke
- Division Clinical Pharmacology, Dept of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
| | - Carine Smith
- Experimental Medicine Research Group, Dept of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
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Haasbroek-Pheiffer A, Viljoen A, Steenekamp J, Chen W, Hamman J. Permeation of Phytochemicals of Selected Psychoactive Medicinal Plants across Excised Sheep Respiratory and Olfactory Epithelial Tissues. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15051423. [PMID: 37242666 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15051423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The intranasal route of drug administration offers an opportunity to bypass the blood-brain barrier and deliver compounds directly into the brain. Scientific evidence exists for medicinal plants (e.g., Centella asiatica and Mesembryanthemum tortuosum) to treat central nervous system conditions such as anxiety and depression. The ex vivo permeation of selected phytochemicals (i.e., asiaticoside and mesembrine) has been measured across excised sheep nasal respiratory and olfactory tissue. Permeation studies were conducted on individual phytochemicals and C. asiatica and M. tortuosum crude extracts. Asiaticoside exhibited statistically significantly higher permeation across both tissues when applied alone as compared to the C. asiatica crude extract, while mesembrine permeation was similar when applied alone or as M. tortuosum crude extract. Permeation of all the phytocompounds was similar or slightly higher than that of the drug atenolol across the respiratory tissue. Permeation of all the phytocompounds was similar to or slightly lower than that of atenolol across the olfactory tissue. In general, the permeation was higher across the olfactory epithelial tissue than across the respiratory epithelial tissue and therefore showed potential for direct nose-to-brain delivery of the selected psychoactive phytochemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Haasbroek-Pheiffer
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen™), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
| | - Alvaro Viljoen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- SAMRC Herbal Drugs Research Unit, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Jan Steenekamp
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen™), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
| | - Weiyang Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Josias Hamman
- SAMRC Herbal Drugs Research Unit, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
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Luo Y, Shan L, Xu L, Patnala S, Kanfer I, Li J, Yu P, Jun X. A network pharmacology-based approach to explore the therapeutic potential of Sceletium tortuosum in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273583. [PMID: 36006974 PMCID: PMC9409587 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sceletium tortuosum (SCT) has been utilized medicinally by indigenous Koi-San people purportedly for mood elevation. SCT extracts are reported to be neuroprotective and have efficacy in improving cognition. However, it is still unclear which of the pharmacological mechanisms of SCT contribute to the therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative disorders. Hence, this study investigated two aspects–firstly, the abilities of neuroprotective sub-fractions from SCT on scavenging radicals, inhibiting some usual targets relevant to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or Parkinson’s disease (PD), and secondly utilizing the network pharmacology related methods to search probable mechanisms using Surflex-Dock program to show the key targets and corresponding SCT constituents. The results indicated sub-fractions from SCT could scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE), monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR). Furthermore, the results of gene ontology and docking analyses indicated the key targets involved in the probable treatment of AD or PD might be AChE, MAO-B, NMDAR subunit2B (GluN2B-NMDAR), adenosine A2A receptor and cannabinoid receptor 2, and the corresponding constituents in Sceletium tortuosum might be N-trans-feruloyl-3-methyldopamine, dihydrojoubertiamine and other mesembrine type alkaloids. In summary, this study has provided new evidence for the therapeutic potential of SCT in the treatment of AD or PD, as well as the key targets and notable constituents in SCT. Therefore, we propose SCT could be a natural chemical resource for lead compounds in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangwen Luo
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Luchen Shan
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lipeng Xu
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Srinivas Patnala
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
| | - Isadore Kanfer
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
| | - Jiahao Li
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pei Yu
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- * E-mail: (PY); (JX)
| | - Xu Jun
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- * E-mail: (PY); (JX)
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Donald KA, Maina M, Patel N, Nguemeni C, Mohammed W, Abubakar A, Brown M, Stoyanova R, Welchman A, Walker N, Willett A, Kariuki SM, Figaji A, Stein DJ, Ihunwo AO, Daniels W, Newton CR. What is next in African neuroscience? eLife 2022; 11:80488. [PMID: 35731202 PMCID: PMC9217128 DOI: 10.7554/elife.80488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Working in Africa provides neuroscientists with opportunities that are not available in other continents. Populations in this region exhibit the greatest genetic diversity; they live in ecosystems with diverse flora and fauna; and they face unique stresses to brain health, including child brain health and development, due to high levels of traumatic brain injury and diseases endemic to the region. However, the neuroscience community in Africa has yet to reach its full potential. In this article we report the outcomes from a series of meetings at which the African neuroscience community came together to identify barriers and opportunities, and to discuss ways forward. This exercise resulted in the identification of six domains of distinction in African neuroscience: the diverse DNA of African populations; diverse flora, fauna and ecosystems for comparative research; child brain health and development; the impact of climate change on mental and neurological health; access to clinical populations with important conditions less prevalent in the global North; and resourcefulness in the reuse and adaption of existing technologies and resources to answer new questions. The article also outlines plans to advance the field of neuroscience in Africa in order to unlock the potential of African neuroscientists to address regional and global mental health and neurological problems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mahmoud Maina
- University of Sussex, Falmer, United Kingdom.,TReND in Africa, Brighton, United Kingdom.,Yobe State University, Damaturu, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Wael Mohammed
- Menoufia University, Shibin El Kom, Egypt.,International Islamic University Malaysia, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Amina Abubakar
- Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya.,KEMRI/ Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Symon M Kariuki
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya.,Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya.,University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Dan J Stein
- University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Amadi O Ihunwo
- University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Charles R Newton
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya.,University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Gbadamosi IT, Henneh IT, Aluko OM, Yawson EO, Fokoua AR, Koomson A, Torbi J, Olorunnado SE, Lewu FS, Yusha'u Y, Keji-Taofik ST, Biney RP, Tagoe TA. Depression in Sub-Saharan Africa. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2022; 12:309-322. [PMID: 35746974 PMCID: PMC9210463 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mood disorders can be considered among the most common and debilitating mental disorders. Major depression, as an example of mood disorders, is known to severely reduce the quality of life as well as psychosocial functioning of those affected. Its impact on the burden of disease worldwide has been enormous, with the World Health Organisation projecting depression to be the leading cause of mental illness by 2030. Despite several studies on the subject, little has been done to contextualise the condition in Africa, coupled with the fact that there is still much to be understood on the subject. This review attempts to shed more light on the prevalence of depression in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), its pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnosis and the experimental models available to study depression within the sub-region. It also evaluates the contribution of the sub-region to the global research output of depression as well as bottlenecks associated with full exploitation of the sub region's resources to manage the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismail Temitayo Gbadamosi
- Department of Anatomy, University of Ilorin, Nigeria
- Laboratory for Translational Research in Neuropsychiatric Disorders, BRAINCITY Nencki-EMBL Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticty and Brain Disorders, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Isaac Tabiri Henneh
- Department of Pharmacotherapeutics and Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Oritoke Modupe Aluko
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Awo Koomson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology University of Ghana, Ghana
| | - Joseph Torbi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology University of Ghana, Ghana
| | | | | | - Yusuf Yusha'u
- Department of Human Physiology Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | | | - Robert Peter Biney
- Department of Pharmacotherapeutics and Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
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7
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Maphanga VB, Skalicka-Wozniak K, Budzynska B, Skiba A, Chen W, Agoni C, Enslin GM, Viljoen AM. Mesembryanthemum tortuosum L. alkaloids modify anxiety-like behaviour in a zebrafish model. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 290:115068. [PMID: 35134486 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Mesembryanthemum tortuosum L. (previously known as Sceletium tortuosum (L.) N.E. Br.) is indigenous to South Africa and traditionally used to alleviate anxiety, stress and depression. Mesembrine and its alkaloid analogues such as mesembrenone, mesembrenol and mesembranol have been identified as the key compounds responsible for the reported effects on the central nervous system. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate M. tortuosum alkaloids for possible anxiolytic-like effects in the 5-dpf in vivo zebrafish model by assessing thigmotaxis and locomotor activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS Locomotor activity and reverse-thigmotaxis, recognised anxiety-related behaviours in 5-days post fertilization zebrafish larvae, were analysed under simulated stressful conditions of alternating light-dark challenges. Cheminformatics screening and molecular docking were also performed to rationalize the inhibitory activity of the alkaloids on the serotonin reuptake transporter, the accepted primary mechanism of action of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Mesembrine has been reported to have inhibitory effects on serotonin reuptake, with consequential anti-depressant and anxiolytic effects. RESULTS All four alkaloids assessed decreased the anxiety-related behaviour of zebrafish larvae exposed to the light-dark challenge. Significant increases in the percentage of time spent in the central arena during the dark phase were also observed when larvae were exposed to the pure alkaloids (mesembrenone, mesembrenol, mesembrine and mesembrenol) compared to the control. However, mesembrenone and mesembranol demonstrated a greater anxiolytic-like effect than the other alkaloids. In addition to favourable pharmacokinetic and physicochemical properties revealed via in silico predictions, high-affinity interactions characterized the binding of the alkaloids with the serotonin transporter. CONCLUSIONS M. tortuosum alkaloids demonstrated an anxiolytic-like effect in zebrafish larvae providing evidence for its traditional and modern day use as an anxiolytic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica B Maphanga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
| | - Krystyna Skalicka-Wozniak
- Department of Natural Products Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodzki Street, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Barbara Budzynska
- Behavioral Studies Laboratory, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, 4A Chodzki Street, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Andriana Skiba
- Department of Natural Products Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodzki Street, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Weiyang Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
| | - Clement Agoni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
| | - Gill M Enslin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
| | - Alvaro M Viljoen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; SAMRC Herbal Drugs Research Unit, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa.
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8
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Olatunji TL, Siebert F, Adetunji AE, Harvey BH, Gericke J, Hamman JH, Van der Kooy F. Sceletium tortuosum: A review on its phytochemistry, pharmacokinetics, biological, pre-clinical and clinical activities. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 287:114711. [PMID: 34758918 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Sceletium tortuosum (L.) N.E.Br., the most sought after and widely researched species in the genus Sceletium is a succulent forb endemic to South Africa. Traditionally, this medicinal plant is mainly masticated or smoked and used for the relief of toothache, abdominal pain, as a mood-elevator, analgesic, hypnotic, anxiolytic, thirst and hunger suppressant, and for its intoxicating/euphoric effects. Sceletium tortuosum is currently of widespread scientific interest due to its clinical potential in treating anxiety and depression, relieving stress in healthy individuals, and enhancing cognitive functions. These pharmacological actions are attributed to its phytochemical constituents referred to as mesembrine-type alkaloids. AIM OF THE REVIEW The aim of this review was to comprehensively summarize and critically evaluate recent research advances on the phytochemistry, pharmacokinetics, biological, pre-clinical and clinical activities of the medicinal plant S. tortuosum. Additionally, current ongoing research and future perspectives are also discussed. METHODS All relevant scientific articles, books, MSc and Ph.D. dissertations on botany, behavioral pharmacology, traditional uses, and phytochemistry of S. tortuosum were retrieved from different databases (including Science Direct, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus and Web of Science). For pharmacokinetics and pharmacological effects of S. tortuosum, the focus fell on relevant publications published between 2009 and 2021. RESULTS Twenty-five alkaloids belonging to four structural classes viz: mesembrine, Sceletium A4, joubertiamine, and tortuosamine, have been identified from S. tortuosum, of which the mesembrine class is predominant. The crude extracts and commercially available standardized extracts of S. tortuosum have displayed a wide spectrum of biological activities (e.g. antimalarial, anti-oxidant, neuromodulatory, immunomodulatory, anti-HIV, neuroprotection) in in vitro or in vivo studies. While the plant has been studied in clinical populations, this has only been in healthy subjects, so that further study in pathological states remains to be done. Nevertheless, the aforementioned studies have demonstrated that S. tortuosum has potential for enhancing cognitive function and managing anxiety and depression. CONCLUSION As an important South African medicinal plant, S. tortuosum has garnered many research advances on its phytochemistry and biological activities over the last decade. These scientific studies have shown that S. tortuosum has various bioactivities. The findings have further established the link between the phytochemistry and pharmacological application, and support the traditional use of S. tortuosum in the indigenous medicine of South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- T L Olatunji
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - F Siebert
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - A E Adetunji
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa
| | - B H Harvey
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa; SAMRC Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - J Gericke
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - J H Hamman
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - F Van der Kooy
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.
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9
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Allameh M, Orsat V. Herbal Anxiolytics: Sources and Their Preparation Methods. FOOD REVIEWS INTERNATIONAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/87559129.2022.2043895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mina Allameh
- Department of Bioresource Engineering, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec, Canada
| | - V. Orsat
- Department of Bioresource Engineering, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec, Canada
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10
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Olatunji TL, Siebert F, Adetunji AE, Harvey BH, Gericke J, Hamman JH, Van der Kooy F. Sceletium tortuosum: A review on its phytochemistry, pharmacokinetics, biological and clinical activities. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 280:114476. [PMID: 34333104 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Sceletium tortuosum (L.) N.E.Br, the most sought after and widely researched species in the genus Sceletium is a succulent forb endemic to South Africa. Traditionally, this medicinal plant is mainly masticated or smoked and used for the relief of toothache, abdominal pain, and as a mood-elevator, analgesic, hypnotic, anxiolytic, thirst and hunger suppressant, and for its intoxicating/euphoric effects. Sceletium tortuosum is currently of widespread scientific interest due to its clinical potential in treating anxiety and depression, relieving stress in healthy individuals, and enhancing cognitive functions. These pharmacological actions are attributed to its phytochemical constituents referred to as mesembrine-type alkaloids. AIM OF THE REVIEW The aim of this review was to comprehensively summarize and critically evaluate recent research advances on the phytochemistry, pharmacokinetics, biological and clinical activities of the medicinal plant S. tortuosum. Additionally, current ongoing research and future perspectives are also discussed. METHODS All relevant scientific articles, books, MSc and Ph.D. dissertations on botany, behavioral pharmacology, traditional uses, and phytochemistry of S. tortuosum were retrieved from different databases (including Science Direct, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus and Web of Science). For pharmacokinetics and pharmacological effects of S. tortuosum, the focus fell on relevant publications published between 2009 and 2021. RESULTS Twenty-five alkaloids belonging to four structural classes viz: mesembrine, Sceletium A4, joubertiamine, and tortuosamine, have been identified from S. tortuosum, of which the mesembrine class is predominant. The crude extracts and commercially available standardized extracts of S. tortuosum have displayed a wide spectrum of biological activities (e.g. antimalarial, anti-oxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-HIV, neuroprotection, enhancement of cognitive function) in in vitro or in vivo studies. This plant has not yet been studied in a clinical population, but has potential for enhancing cognitive function, and managing anxiety and depression. CONCLUSION As an important South African medicinal plant, S. tortuosum has garnered many research advances on its phytochemistry and biological activities over the last decade. These scientific studies have shown that S. tortuosum has various bioactivities. The findings have further established the link between the phytochemistry and pharmacological application, and support the traditional use of S. tortuosum in the indigenous medicine of South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- T L Olatunji
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
| | - F Siebert
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
| | - A E Adetunji
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa.
| | - B H Harvey
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa; SAMRC Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2520, South Africa.
| | - J Gericke
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa; Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2520, South Africa.
| | - J H Hamman
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.
| | - F Van der Kooy
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.
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Appley MG, Chambers MI, Musah RA. Quantification of hordenine in a complex plant matrix by direct analysis in real time-high-resolution mass spectrometry: Application to the "plant of concern" Sceletium tortuosum. Drug Test Anal 2021; 14:604-612. [PMID: 34750996 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3193] [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: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Recently, there has been an increase in the recreational abuse of several psychoactive plants, resulting in the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime creating a list of "plants of concern." One such material is Sceletium tortuosum and products derived from it. Regulation of these materials is challenging because of their innocuous appearance, the cumbersome sample preparation steps required to render the material into a form amenable to analysis by conventional techniques, the requirement for nuanced sample analysis protocols, and lengthy analysis times. It is demonstrated here that direct analysis in real time-high-resolution mass spectrometry (DART-HRMS) can be used to not only identify S. tortuosum material based on the detection of characteristic biomarkers including hordenine and several mesembrine alkaloids, but also quantify the amount of hordenine present. Using hordenine-d6 as an internal standard, a protocol, validated according to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Guidelines for the Development and Validation of Bioanalytical Methods, was devised for the quantification of the psychoactive component hordenine. The method was then applied to the quantification of hordenine in six commercially available products derived from the foliage and stems of S. tortuosum. By this method, the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was found to be 1 μg/ml. Observed hordenine concentrations ranged from 0.02738 to 1.071 mg of hordenine per gram of plant material. The developed technique provides an effective and quick means for the detection and quantification of hordenine in S. tortuosum, which can be extended to analysis of other hordenine-containing products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Grace Appley
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Megan Isabella Chambers
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Rabi Ann Musah
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, New York, USA
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Berkov S, Pechlivanova D, Denev R, Nikolova M, Georgieva L, Sidjimova B, Bakalov D, Tafradjiiska R, Stoynev A, Momekov G, Bastida J. GC-MS analysis of Amaryllidaceae and Sceletium-type alkaloids in bioactive fractions from Narcissus cv. Hawera. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2021; 35:e9116. [PMID: 33928691 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Narcissus cv. Hawera has been found to biosynthesize some Sceletium-type alkaloids with antidepressant and anxiolytic activities. This ornamental plant has been poorly studied as a source of bioactive alkaloids including some contraversive reports on in vitro and intact plants. In this study, a detailed GC-MS characterization of its alkaloid fractions is presented. METHODS GC-MS was used for the identification of compounds in the alkaloid fractions. Both underivatized and silylated samples were analyzed simultaneously. Elevated plus maze and tail suspension tests were used to assay the anxiolytic and antidepressant activities. Ellman's and MTT-dye reduction assays were used to evaluate the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory and cytotoxicity activities, respectively. RESULTS Of the 29 alkaloids, 13 of Sceletium-type were detected. Two new alkaloids were identified as 2-oxo-mesembrine and 2-oxo-epi-mesembrenol. Lycorine was found as a major compound (43.5%) in the crude silylated methanol extract. After the elimination of lycorine by pre-crystallization, the major alkaloids were 40.8% 6-epi-mesembranol, 16.2% 6-epi-mesembrenol, and 13.8% sanguinine. This fraction showed anxiolytic and antidepressant-like activities as well as potent AChE inhibitory and antineoplastic activities. CONCLUSIONS Silylation of the alkaloid fractions from Narcissus cv. Hawera provides better separation, structural information, and improved sensitivity for compounds with two and more hydroxyl groups. The lycorine-free alkaloid fraction shows a great potential for further pharmacological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Strahil Berkov
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | | | - Rumen Denev
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Milena Nikolova
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | | | - Borjana Sidjimova
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | | | | | | | | | - Jaume Bastida
- Grup de Productes Naturals, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Manganyi MC, Bezuidenhout CC, Regnier T, Ateba CN. A Chewable Cure "Kanna": Biological and Pharmaceutical Properties of Sceletium tortuosum. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26092557. [PMID: 33924742 PMCID: PMC8124331 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26092557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sceletium tortuosum (L.) N.E.Br. (Mesembryanthemaceae), commonly known as kanna or kougoed, is an effective indigenous medicinal plant in South Africa, specifically to the native San and Khoikhoi tribes. Today, the plant has gained strong global attraction and reputation due to its capabilities to promote a sense of well-being by relieving stress with calming effects. Historically, the plant was used by native San hunter-gatherers and Khoi people to quench their thirst, fight fatigue and for healing, social, and spiritual purposes. Various studies have revealed that extracts of the plant have numerous biological properties and isolated alkaloids of Sceletium tortuosum are currently being used as dietary supplements for medicinal purposes and food. Furthermore, current research has focused on the commercialization of the plant because of its treatment in clinical anxiety and depression, psychological and psychiatric disorders, improving mood, promoting relaxation and happiness. In addition, several studies have focused on the isolation and characterization of various beneficial bioactive compounds including alkaloids from the Sceletium tortuosum plant. Sceletium was reviewed more than a decade ago and new evidence has been published since 2008, substantiating an update on this South African botanical asset. Thus, this review provides an extensive overview of the biological and pharmaceutical properties of Sceletium tortuosum as well as the bioactive compounds with an emphasis on antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antidepressant, anxiolytic, and other significant biological effects. There is a need to critically evaluate the bioactivities and responsible bioactive compounds, which might assist in reinforcing and confirming the significant role of kanna in the promotion of healthy well-being in these stressful times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madira Coutlyne Manganyi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, PBX1, Mthatha 5117, South Africa
- Correspondence:
| | - Cornelius Carlos Bezuidenhout
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa;
| | - Thierry Regnier
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0001, South Africa;
| | - Collins Njie Ateba
- Food Security and Safety Niche Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, Mafikeng 2735, South Africa;
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Overview of the major classes of new psychoactive substances, psychoactive effects, analytical determination and conformational analysis of selected illegal drugs. OPEN CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1515/chem-2021-0196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The misuse of psychoactive substances is attracting a great deal of attention from the general public. An increase use of psychoactive substances is observed among young people who do not have enough awareness of the harmful effects of these substances. Easy access to illicit drugs at low cost and lack of effective means of routine screening for new psychoactive substances (NPS) have contributed to the rapid increase in their use. New research and evidence suggest that drug use can cause a variety of adverse psychological and physiological effects on human health (anxiety, panic, paranoia, psychosis, and seizures). We describe different classes of these NPS drugs with emphasis on the methods used to identify them and the identification of their metabolites in biological specimens. This is the first review that thoroughly gives the literature on both natural and synthetic illegal drugs with old known data and very hot new topics and investigations, which enables the researcher to use it as a starting point in the literature exploration and planning of the own research. For the first time, the conformational analysis was done for selected illegal drugs, giving rise to the search of the biologically active conformations both theoretically and using lab experiments.
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Jędrejko K, Lazur J, Muszyńska B. Risk Associated with the Use of Selected Ingredients in Food Supplements. Chem Biodivers 2021; 18:e2000686. [PMID: 33410585 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202000686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
This review focuses on four new product categories of food supplements: pre-workout, fat burner/thermogenic, brain/cognitive booster, and hormone/testosterone booster. Many food supplements have been shown to be contaminated with unauthorized substances. In some cases, the ingredients in the new categories of dietary supplements were medicinal products or new synthetic compounds added without performing clinical trials. Some of the new ingredients in dietary supplements are plant materials that are registered in the pharmacopoeia as herbal medicines. In other cases, dietary supplements may contain plant materials that have no history of human use and are often used as materials to 'camouflage' stimulants. In the European Union, new ingredients of dietary supplements, according to European Food Safety Authority or unauthorized novel food. Furthermore, selected ingredients in dietary supplements may be prohibited in sports and are recognized as doping agents by World Anti-Doping Agency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol Jędrejko
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Medyczna 9 Street, PL, 30-688, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jan Lazur
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Medyczna 9 Street, PL, 30-688, Kraków, Poland
| | - Bożena Muszyńska
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Medyczna 9 Street, PL, 30-688, Kraków, Poland
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Brendler T, Brinckmann JA, Feiter U, Gericke N, Lang L, Pozharitskaya ON, Shikov AN, Smith M, van Wyk BE. Sceletium for Managing Anxiety, Depression and Cognitive Impairment: A Traditional Herbal Medicine in Modern-Day Regulatory Systems. Curr Neuropharmacol 2021; 19:1384-1400. [PMID: 33588735 PMCID: PMC8762184 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666210215124737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Modern-day regulatory systems governing conditions for how health products enter national markets constitute a barrier of access for traditional herbal medicines on an international level. Regulatory intentions are focused on ensuring that consumers are being provided with safe, efficacious and high-quality products that, however, collaterally limit opportunities for traditional herbal medicinal products, especially those that do not already have a long-standing tradition of use established in the respective national marketplaces. This case study investigates and compares how a Southern African herbal medicine with great potential as an anxiolytic and mild antidepressant - Mesembryanthemum tortuosum L. [syn. Sceletium tortuosum (L.) N.E.Br.] aerial parts - fares internationally in today's regulatory environments. It is argued that inadvertent regulatory favoritism combined with the lack of means for adequate protection of intellectual property may obstruct innovation by creating an almost insurmountable economical hurdle for successful product development and introduction of botanicals from developing countries into most of the world's health product markets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Brendler
- Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Botany and Plant Biotechnology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa; Tel: +1-240-727-4024; E-mail:
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Reay J, Wetherell MA, Morton E, Lillis J, Badmaev V. Sceletium tortuosum (Zembrin ® ) ameliorates experimentally induced anxiety in healthy volunteers. Hum Psychopharmacol 2020; 35:1-7. [PMID: 32761980 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the anxiolytic properties of a standardized extract of Sceletium tortuosum (trademarked-Zembrin® ). METHODS Two studies utilized a placebo-controlled, double-blind, between-subject experimental design to investigate the effects of a single dose of Sceletium tortuosum (25 mg, Zembrin® ) on laboratory stress/anxiety responding in 20 young healthy volunteers. To elicit feelings of stress/anxiety, participants completed 20 min of the multitasking framework in study 1 and a 5-min simulated public speaking task in study 2. Study 1 measured subjective experiences of mood at baseline, prestress induction, and poststress induction. Study 2 measured subjective experiences of anxiety and physiological indicators of stress (heart rate [HR] and galvanic skin response) at baseline, prestress induction, during stress induction, and poststress induction. RESULTS A series of analysis of covariances (baseline entered as the covariate) revealed no treatment effect in study 1; however, study 2 revealed subjective anxiety levels to be significantly lower in the Zembrin® group at the prestress induction point and a significant interaction between treatment and time on HR. Taken together, results indicate that a single dose of Zembrin® can ameliorate laboratory stress/anxiety responding in healthy volunteers. CONCLUSION We provide the first tentative behavioral evidence to support the anxiolytic properties of Sceletium tortuosum (25 mg Zembrin® ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathon Reay
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Humanities & Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Mark A Wetherell
- Department of Psychology, Stress Research Group, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Emma Morton
- Department of Psychology, Stress Research Group, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - James Lillis
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Humanities & Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
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Pharmacology of Herbal Sexual Enhancers: A Review of Psychiatric and Neurological Adverse Effects. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13100309. [PMID: 33066617 PMCID: PMC7602496 DOI: 10.3390/ph13100309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual enhancers increase sexual potency, sexual pleasure, or libido. Substances increasing libido alter the concentrations of specific neurotransmitters or sex hormones in the central nervous system. Interestingly, the same pathways are involved in the mechanisms underlying many psychiatric and neurological disorders, and adverse reactions associated with the use of aphrodisiacs are strongly expected. However, sexual enhancers of plant origin have gained popularity over recent years, as natural substances are often regarded as a safer alternative to modern medications and are easily acquired without prescription. We reviewed the psychiatric and neurological adverse effects associated with the consumption of herbal aphrodisiacs Areca catechu L., Argemone Mexicana L., Citrus aurantium L., Eurycoma longifolia Jack., Lepidium meyenii Walp., Mitragyna speciosa Korth., Panax ginseng C. A. Mey, Panax quinquefolius L., Pausinystalia johimbe (K. Schum.) Pierre ex Beille, Piper methysticum G. Forst., Ptychopetalum olacoides Benth., Sceletium tortuosum (L.) N. E. Brown, Turnera diffusa Willd. ex. Schult., Voacanga africana Stapf ex Scott-Elliot, and Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal. A literature search was conducted on the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases with the aim of identifying all the relevant articles published on the issue up to June 2020. Most of the selected sexual enhancers appeared to be safe at therapeutic doses, although mild to severe adverse effects may occur in cases of overdosing or self-medication with unstandardized products. Drug interactions are more concerning, considering that herbal aphrodisiacs are likely used together with other plant extracts and/or pharmaceuticals. However, few data are available on the side effects of several plants included in this review, and more clinical studies with controlled administrations should be conducted to address this issue.
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Hoffman JR, Markus I, Dubnov-Raz G, Gepner Y. Ergogenic Effects of 8 Days of Sceletium Tortuosum Supplementation on Mood, Visual Tracking, and Reaction in Recreationally Trained Men and Women. J Strength Cond Res 2020; 34:2476-2481. [DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000003693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Said AAE, Ali TFS, Attia EZ, Ahmed ASF, Shehata AH, Abdelmohsen UR, Fouad MA. Antidepressant potential of Mesembryanthemum cordifolium roots assisted by metabolomic analysis and virtual screening. Nat Prod Res 2020; 35:5493-5497. [PMID: 32608262 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2020.1788019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Depression is a common mental disturbance that can be categorized as mild, moderate or severe. Mesemberine alkaloids, the main recognized phytoconstituents of some plants belonging to family Mesembryanthemaceae, are well-known as serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate the antidepressant activity of the alkaloidal fraction of Mesembryanthemum cordifolium L.f. (Aptenia cordifolia) roots, family Mesembryanthemaceae using forced swimming test, assisted by metabolomic analysis and in silico ligand-based and structure-based screening. Results showed that the alkaloidal fraction displayed an antidepressant activity superior to imipramine hydrochloride, a standard antidepressant agent. Nine alkaloids were annotated from the metabolomic analysis. Interestingly, among the dereplicated constituents, mesembrane (5) displayed strong binding affinity to SERT protein, which is slightly higher than the antidepressant drug venlafaxine. In conclusion, the alkaloidal fraction of the M. cordifolium (A. cordifolia) root exhibits an antidepressant activity which can be attributed in part to mesembrane (5).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Taha F S Ali
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Eman Zekry Attia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Al-Shaimaa F Ahmed
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Alaa H Shehata
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Usama Ramadan Abdelmohsen
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy, Minia University, Minia, Egypt.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy, Deraya University, New Minia, Egypt
| | - Mostafa Ahmed Fouad
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
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Lo Faro AF, Di Trana A, La Maida N, Tagliabracci A, Giorgetti R, Busardò FP. Biomedical analysis of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) of natural origin. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2019; 179:112945. [PMID: 31704129 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2019.112945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) can be divided into two main groups: synthetic molecules and active principles of natural origin. With respect to this latter group, a wide range of alkaloids contained in plants, mainly from Asia and South America, can be included in the class of NPS of natural origin. The majority NPS of natural origin presents stimulant and/or hallucinogenic effects (e.g. Catha edulis and Ayahuasca, respectively) while few of them show sedative and relaxing properties (e.g. kratom). Few information is available in relation to the analytical identification of psychoactive principles contained in the plant material. Moreover, to our knowledge, scarce data are present in literature, about the characterization and quantification of the parent drug in biological matrices from intoxication and fatality cases. In addition, the metabolism of natural active principles has not been yet fully investigated for most of the psychoactive substances from plant material. Consequently, their identification is not frequently performed and produced metabolites are often unknown. To fill this gap, we reviewed the currently available analytical methodologies for the identification and quantification of NPS of natural origin in plant material and, whenever possible, in conventional and non-conventional biological matrices of intoxicated and dead subjects. The psychoactive principles contained in the following plants were investigated: Areca catechu, Argyreia nervosa, Ayahuasca, Catha edulis, Ipomoea violacea, Mandragora officinarum, Mitragyna speciosa, Pausinystalia yohimbe, Piper methisticum, Psilocybe, Rivea corymbosa, Salvia divinorum, Sceletium tortuosum, Lactuca virosa. From the results obtained, it can be evidenced that although several analytical methods for the simultaneous quantification of different molecules from the same plants have been developed and validated, a comprehensive method to detect active compounds from different natural specimens both in biological and non-biological matrices is still lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Fabrizio Lo Faro
- Department of Excellence of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, University "Politecnica delle Marche" of Ancona, Via Tronto 71, Ancona, Italy
| | - Annagiulia Di Trana
- Department of Excellence of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, University "Politecnica delle Marche" of Ancona, Via Tronto 71, Ancona, Italy
| | - Nunzia La Maida
- Department of Excellence of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, University "Politecnica delle Marche" of Ancona, Via Tronto 71, Ancona, Italy
| | - Adriano Tagliabracci
- Department of Excellence of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, University "Politecnica delle Marche" of Ancona, Via Tronto 71, Ancona, Italy
| | - Raffaele Giorgetti
- Department of Excellence of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, University "Politecnica delle Marche" of Ancona, Via Tronto 71, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Busardò
- Department of Excellence of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, University "Politecnica delle Marche" of Ancona, Via Tronto 71, Ancona, Italy.
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Baillie GS, Tejeda GS, Kelly MP. Therapeutic targeting of 3',5'-cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases: inhibition and beyond. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2019; 18:770-796. [PMID: 31388135 PMCID: PMC6773486 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-019-0033-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Phosphodiesterases (PDEs), enzymes that degrade 3',5'-cyclic nucleotides, are being pursued as therapeutic targets for several diseases, including those affecting the nervous system, the cardiovascular system, fertility, immunity, cancer and metabolism. Clinical development programmes have focused exclusively on catalytic inhibition, which continues to be a strong focus of ongoing drug discovery efforts. However, emerging evidence supports novel strategies to therapeutically target PDE function, including enhancing catalytic activity, normalizing altered compartmentalization and modulating post-translational modifications, as well as the potential use of PDEs as disease biomarkers. Importantly, a more refined appreciation of the intramolecular mechanisms regulating PDE function and trafficking is emerging, making these pioneering drug discovery efforts tractable.
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Affiliation(s)
- George S Baillie
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Science, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Gonzalo S Tejeda
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Science, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Michy P Kelly
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA.
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Heany SJ, Bethlehem RAI, van Honk J, Bos PA, Stein DJ, Terburg D. Effects of testosterone administration on threat and escape anticipation in the orbitofrontal cortex. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 96:42-51. [PMID: 29902666 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.05.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that the steroid hormone testosterone can decrease the functional coupling between orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and amygdala. Theoretically this decoupling has been linked to a testosterone-driven increase of goal-directed behaviour in case of threat, but this has never been studied directly. Therefore, we placed twenty-two women in dynamically changing situations of escapable and inescapable threat after a within-subject placebo controlled testosterone administration. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) we provide evidence that testosterone activates the left lateral OFC (LOFC) in preparation of active goal-directed escape and decouples this OFC area from a subcortical threat system including the central-medial amygdala, hypothalamus and periaqueductal gray. This LOFC decoupling was specific to threatening situations, a point that was further emphasized by an absence of such decoupling in a second experiment focused on resting-state connectivity. These results not only confirm that testosterone administration decouples the LOFC from the subcortical threat system, but also show that this is specifically the case in response to acute threat, and ultimately leads to an increase in LOFC activity when the participant prepares a goal-directed action to escape. Together these results for the first time provide a detailed understanding of functional brain alterations induced by testosterone under threat conditions, and corroborate and extend the view that testosterone prepares the brain for goal-directed action in case of threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Heany
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Richard A I Bethlehem
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jack van Honk
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Experimental Psychology, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Peter A Bos
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Dan J Stein
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa; MRC Unit on Anxiety & Stress Disorders, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - David Terburg
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Experimental Psychology, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.
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Freund DM, Sammons KA, Makunga NP, Cohen JD, Hegeman AD. Leaf Spray Mass Spectrometry: A Rapid Ambient Ionization Technique to Directly Assess Metabolites from Plant Tissues. J Vis Exp 2018. [PMID: 29985332 DOI: 10.3791/57949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Plants produce thousands of small molecules that are diverse in their chemical properties. Mass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful technique for analyzing plant metabolites because it provides molecular weights with high sensitivity and specificity. Leaf spray MS is an ambient ionization technique where plant tissue is used for direct chemical analysis via electrospray, eliminating chromatography from the process. This approach to sampling metabolites allows for a wide range of chemical classes to be detected simultaneously from intact plant tissues, minimizing the amount of sample preparation needed. When used with a high-resolution, accurate mass MS, leaf spray MS facilitates the rapid detection of metabolites of interest. It is also possible to collect tandem mass fragmentation data with this technique to facilitate a compound identification. The combination of accurate mass measurements and fragmentation is beneficial in confirming compound identities. The leaf spray MS technique requires only minor modifications to a nanospray ionization source and is a useful tool to further expand the capabilities of a mass spectrometer. Here, fresh leaf tissue from Sceletium tortuosum (Aizoaceae), a traditional medicinal plant from South Africa, is analyzed; numerous mesembrine alkaloids are detected with leaf spray MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana M Freund
- Department of Horticultural Science, Microbial and Plant Genomics Institute, University of Minnesota;
| | - Katherine A Sammons
- Department of Horticultural Science, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, Microbial and Plant Genomics Institute, University of Minnesota
| | | | - Jerry D Cohen
- Department of Horticultural Science, Microbial and Plant Genomics Institute, University of Minnesota
| | - Adrian D Hegeman
- Department of Horticultural Science, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, Microbial and Plant Genomics Institute, University of Minnesota
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Bennett AC, Smith C. Immunomodulatory effects of Sceletium tortuosum (Trimesemine™) elucidated in vitro: Implications for chronic disease. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2018; 214:134-140. [PMID: 29253615 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Sceletium tortuosum, among other Sceletium species, was traditionally used by the Khoisan people of Southern Africa for relief of pain-related ailments. However, the commercial availability of this supplement has greatly expanded due to anecdotal claims of its mood-elevating and anxiolytic properties. Unrelated research has elucidated a significant link between cytokines and the mediation of depression. Therefore, the effect of Sceletium supplementation on immune cell functionality is of interest, since the efficacy of potential depression treatments could, at least in part, rely on downregulation of pro-inflammatory signalling. AIM OF THE STUDY The current study evaluated the immunomodulatory effects of a Sceletium extract, both basally and in the context of acute endotoxin stimulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Primary human monocytes were supplemented with either a 0.01mg/ml or 1mg/ml Sceletium extract dose, with or without E. coli LPS stimulation in vitro, for 24h. Mitochondrial viability, as an indirect measure of cytotoxicity, and cytokine release in response to the treatment intervention were assessed. RESULTS Sceletium extract treatment was associated with increased mitochondrial viability, as well as up-regulated IL-10 release under basal conditions. LPS exposure significantly decreased mitochondrial viability, but this was prevented completely under Sceletium-treated conditions. The acute inflammatory response to LPS stimulation was not negatively affected. Sceletium treatment conferred most significant effects at a dose of 0.01mg/ml. CONCLUSIONS Sceletium exerts significant cytoprotective effects in the setting of endotoxin stimulation. Cytokine assessment indicated that Sceletium possesses mild anti-inflammatory properties, but does not hinder the mounting of an adequate immune response to acute immune challenge. These findings indicate that Sceletium may be beneficial for the attenuation of cytokine-induced depression, as well as in systemic low-grade inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber C Bennett
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Science Faculty, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Carine Smith
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Science Faculty, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Gibson
- Department of Anthropology and Sociology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
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Yeung KS, Hernandez M, Mao JJ, Haviland I, Gubili J. Herbal medicine for depression and anxiety: A systematic review with assessment of potential psycho-oncologic relevance. Phytother Res 2018; 32:865-891. [PMID: 29464801 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Revised: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety and depression are prevalent among cancer patients, with significant negative impact. Many patients prefer herbs for symptom relief to conventional medications which have limited efficacy/side effects. We identified single-herb medicines that may warrant further study in cancer patients. Our search included PubMed, Allied and Complementary Medicine, Embase, and Cochrane databases, selecting only single-herb randomized controlled trials between 1996 and 2016 in any population for data extraction, excluding herbs with known potential for interactions with cancer treatments. One hundred articles involving 38 botanicals met our criteria. Among herbs most studied (≥6 randomized controlled trials each), lavender, passionflower, and saffron produced benefits comparable to standard anxiolytics and antidepressants. Black cohosh, chamomile, and chasteberry are also promising. Anxiety or depressive symptoms were measured in all studies, but not always as primary endpoints. Overall, 45% of studies reported positive findings with fewer adverse effects compared with conventional medications. Based on available data, black cohosh, chamomile, chasteberry, lavender, passionflower, and saffron appear useful in mitigating anxiety or depression with favorable risk-benefit profiles compared to standard treatments. These may benefit cancer patients by minimizing medication load and accompanying side effects. However, well-designed larger clinical trials are needed before these herbs can be recommended and to further assess their psycho-oncologic relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Simon Yeung
- Integrative Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Marisol Hernandez
- Information Systems/Medical Library, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Jun J Mao
- Integrative Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Ingrid Haviland
- Integrative Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Jyothirmai Gubili
- Integrative Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, NY, USA
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Discovery versus implementation research on mental disorders in low- and middle-income countries. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2017; 29:191-192. [PMID: 28793939 DOI: 10.1017/neu.2017.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Krstenansky JL. Mesembrine alkaloids: Review of their occurrence, chemistry, and pharmacology. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2017; 195:10-19. [PMID: 27939420 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Revised: 11/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Mesembrine alkaloids are considered to be the primary active constituents of the South African medicinal plant Sceletium tortuosum (L.) N.E.Br. (Aizoaceae), and it is used as the dried or fermented aerial material from the plant, which is known as kanna (aka, channa, kougoed). Traditional regional use ranged from relieving thirst, mild analgesia, and alteration of mood. Current interest has focused primarily on the antidepressant action of preparations based on the plant and commercialization is expanding the recognition and availability of these preparations. MATERIALS AND METHODS Searches for the keywords "Sceletium or mesembrine" were performed in "PubMed-NCBI", "Chemical Abstracts SciFinder" and "Thomson Reuters Web of Science" databases in addition to the inclusion of references cited within prior reviews and scientific reports. Additionally the "SciFinder" database was searched using 3a-phenyl-cis-octahydroindole in the SciFinder Substructure Module (SSM). Plant taxonomy was validated by the database "The Plant List". RESULTS This review focuses on the chemistry, analysis, and pharmacology of the mesembrine alkaloids. Despite a long history of medicinal used and research investigation, there has been a renewed interest in the pharmacological properties of the mesembrine alkaloids and much of the pharmacology has only recently been published. The two major active alkaloids mesembrine and mesembrenone are still in the process of being more fully characterized pharmacologically. They are serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which provides a rationale for the plant's traditional use as an antidepressant, but other actions are beginning to appear in the literature. Additionally, mesembrenone has reasonably potent PDE4 inhibitory activity. This review intends to provide an overview of the available literature, summarize the current findings, and put them in perspective with earlier studies and reviews.
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Dimpfel W, Gericke N, Suliman S, Dipah GNC. Effect of Zembrin® on Brain Electrical Activity in 60 Older Subjects after 6 Weeks of Daily Intake. A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, 3-Armed Study in a Parallel Design. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.4236/wjns.2017.71011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Raab K, Kirsch P, Mier D. Understanding the impact of 5-HTTLPR, antidepressants, and acute tryptophan depletion on brain activation during facial emotion processing: A review of the imaging literature. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 71:176-197. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Revised: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Manda VK, Avula B, Ashfaq MK, Abe N, Khan IA, Khan SI. Quantification of mesembrine and mesembrenone in mouse plasma using UHPLC-QToF-MS: Application to a pharmacokinetic study. Biomed Chromatogr 2016; 31. [PMID: 27526669 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.3815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Sceletium tortuosum, is an indigenous herb of South Africa which is widely used as an herbal supplement in the treatment of anxiety and stress. Mesembrenone and mesembrine are the two main pharmacologically active alkaloids present in the extract. Despite the wide therapeutic applications of Sceletium extract, there are no reports of in vivo pharmacokinetic properties or analytical methods to quantify these two important alkaloids in plasma. Therefore, the current study aimed to develop and validate a simple and sensitive analytical method for simultaneous quantification of mesembrenone and mesembrine in mouse plasma. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC/QToF-MS) was employed to achieve our objectives. The compounds were extracted using protein precipitation by methanol (100%) with quinine as an internal standard. The lower limit of quantification for both the compounds was 10 ng/mL. The extraction recovery was between 87 and 93% for both compounds with no matrix effects on the analysis. The accuracy was between 89.5 and 106% and precision was <12.6% for all quality control samples. This validated method was successfully applied to evaluate the i.v. plasma pharmacokinetics of mesembrine and mesembrenone in mouse. However, the oral bioavailability of these alkaloids was poor and the plasma levels were below the detection limits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vamshi K Manda
- National Center for Natural Products Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, USA
| | - Bharathi Avula
- National Center for Natural Products Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, USA
| | - Mohammad K Ashfaq
- National Center for Natural Products Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, USA
| | - Naohito Abe
- National Center for Natural Products Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, USA
| | - Ikhlas A Khan
- National Center for Natural Products Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, USA.,Division of Pharmacognosy, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, USA
| | - Shabana I Khan
- National Center for Natural Products Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, USA.,Division of Pharmacognosy, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, USA
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Dimpfel W, Schombert L, Gericke N. Electropharmacogram of Sceletium tortuosum extract based on spectral local field power in conscious freely moving rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2016; 177:140-147. [PMID: 26608705 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.11.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Revised: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The endemic succulent South African plant, Sceletium tortuosum (L.) N.E. Br. (synonym Mesembryanthemum tortuosum L.), of the family Mesembryathemaceae, has an ancient oral tradition history of use by San and Khoikhoi people as an integral part of the indigenous culture and materia medica. A special standardized extract of Sceletium tortuosum (Zembrin®) has been developed and tested pre-clinically in rats, and clinically in healthy subjects. AIM OF THE STUDY The present investigation aimed at the construction of electropharmacograms of Zembrin® in the presence of three dosages (2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 mg/kg), and comparative electropharmacograms and discriminatory analyses for other herbal extracts, citicoline and rolipram. MATERIAL AND METHODS Seventeen adult Fischer rats were each implanted with a set consisting of four bipolar concentric steel electrodes fixed by dental cement and three screws driven into the scalp. After two weeks of recovery from surgery the animals were adapted to oral administration by gavage and to experimental conditions (45 min pre-drug period and 5h of recording after a rest of 5 min for calming down). Data were transmitted wirelessly and processed using a Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT). Spectral power was evaluated for 8 frequency ranges, namely delta, theta, alpha1, alpha2, beta1a, beta1b, beta2 and gamma power. RESULTS Zembrin® dose dependently attenuated all frequency ranges, to varying degrees. The most prominent was the statistically significant reduction in alpha2 and beta1a waves, correlated with activation of the dopaminergic and glutamatergic transmitter systems respectively. This feature is common to all synthetic and herbal stimulants tested to date. The second strongest effects were reduction in both the delta and the theta frequency ranges, correlated with changes in the cholinergic and norepinephrine systems respectively, a pattern seen in preparations prescribed for neurodegenerative diseases. Theta wave reduction in common with the delta, alpha2 and beta1 attenuation has been noted for analgesic drugs. Attenuation of alpha1 waves emerged during the highest dosage in all brain areas, a feature seen in all antidepressants. DISCUSSION The electropharmacogram of Zembrin® was compared to the electropharmacograms of herbal extracts archived in our database. Extracts of Oenothera biennis and Cimicifuga racemosa gave a very similar electropharmacograms to that of Zembrin®, and extracts of Ginkgo biloba and Rhodiola rosea gave rather similar electropharmacograms to Zembrin®. Linear discriminant analysis confirmed these similarities and demonstrated that all three dosages of Zembrin® plotted in close neighbourhood to each other. Citocoline, a synthetic compound originally developed for cognitive enhancement, had a similar electropharmacogram to Zembrin®. Similarity to the electropharmacograms of the synthetic phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, rolipram, suggests Zembrin® has antidepressant and cognitive function enhancing potential. CONCLUSION The combined results from the electropharmacograms and comparative discriminatory analyses suggest that Zembrin® has dose dependent activity, with potential applications as a cognitive function enhancer, as an antidepressant, and as an analgesic.
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Swart AC, Smith C. Modulation of glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid and androgen production in H295 cells by Trimesemine™, a mesembrine-rich Sceletium extract. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2016; 177:35-45. [PMID: 26608706 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Revised: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Stress-related illnesses rate among the most prevalent non-fatal diseases globally. With the global trend for consumer bias towards natural medicine, the Sceletium plant has become more prominent in the field of natural products. Although potentially useful effects of Sceletium tortuosum on the central nervous system have been reported, limited data is available on effects of the plant in the peripheral compartment. AIM OF THE STUDY The current study aimed to elucidate the effect(s) of a Sceletium extract (TRI) rich in mesembrine (1% of plant extract w/w), on adrenal steroid biosynthesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Steroidogenesis was assessed basally and in response to stimuli (forskolin, angiotensin II, KCl), in human adrenocortical carcinoma cells (H295R). Steroid hormone levels were assessed using UPLC-MS/MS. UPLC-MS analyses of TRI identified major alkaloids Δ7-mesembrenone, mesembrenone and mesembrine. RESULTS Highest dose TRI treatment (1 mg/ml, 34.5 μM mesembrine) increased pregnenolone and decreased 16-hydroxyprogesterone levels (both P<0.00001) in forskolin-stimulated conditions only, suggesting CYP17 enzyme inhibition. This led to significant inhibition of forskolin-associated increases in cortisol levels at the highest dose (P<0.001) and basal cortisol levels across all doses (P<0.0001). Independently of forskolin, TRI inhibited androstenedione and testosterone production across all doses (both P<0.00001), suggesting inhibition of 3βHSD and 17βHSD respectively. TRI decreased both the angiotensin II- (P<0.05) and forskolin-induced (P<0.0001) increases in aldosterone production. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest potentially beneficial effects of TRI in the context of stress and hypertension. These should be further investigated in a whole organism model, while the effects on the androgenic pathway should also be further elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Swart
- Dept Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
| | - C Smith
- Dept Physiological Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
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Liu X, Guo H, Sayed MDS, Lu Y, Yang T, Zhou D, Chen Z, Wang H, Wang C, Xu J. cAMP/PKA/CREB/GLT1 signaling involved in the antidepressant-like effects of phosphodiesterase 4D inhibitor (GEBR-7b) in rats. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2016; 12:219-27. [PMID: 26855578 PMCID: PMC4725689 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s90960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES GEBR-7b, a potential phosphodiesterase 4D inhibitor, has been shown to have memory-enhancing effects in rodents. However, it is still unknown whether GEBR-7b also has the antidepressant-like effects in rats. Herein, we examined the potential of GEBR-7b to attenuate depression-like behaviors in the rat model of depression induced by chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). Next, we also investigated the alterations of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), protein kinase A (PKA) catalytic subunit (PKAca), cAMP response element-binding (CREB), and glutamate transporter 1 (GLT1) levels produced by GEBR-7b in the rats model of depression. METHODS Effects of GEBR-7b on CUS (35 days)-induced depression-like behaviors were examined by measuring immobility time in the forced swimming test (FST). Hippocampal cAMP levels were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, whereas PKAca, phosphorylation of CREB (pCREB), CREB, and GLT1 in the hippocampus of rats were subjected to Western blot analysis. RESULTS CUS exposure caused a depression-like behavior evidenced by the increased immobility time in FST. Depression-like behavior induced by CUS was accompanied by a significant increased GLT, decreased cAMP, PKAca, pCREB activities in hippocampus. However, repeated GEBR-7b administration significantly reversed CUS-induced depression-like behavior and changes of cAMP/PKA/CREB/GLT1 signaling. No alteration was observed in locomotor activity in open field test. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that GEBR-7b reversed the depression-like behaviors induced by CUS in rats, which is at least in part mediated by modulating cAMP, PKAca, pCREB, and GLT1 levels in the hippocampus of rats, supporting its neuroprotective potential against behavioral and biochemical dysfunctions induced by CUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China; Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Beijing, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Haibiao Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Mohammad Daud Som Sayed
- Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Lu
- Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongsheng Zhou
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongming Chen
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Haitao Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuang Wang
- Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiangping Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
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Dimpfel W, Gericke N, Suliman S, Chiegoua Dipah GN. Psychophysiological Effects of Zembrin<sup>®</sup>Using Quantitative EEG Source Density in Combination with Eye-Tracking in 60 Healthy Subjects. A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, 3-Armed Study with Parallel Design. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.4236/nm.2016.73013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Proof-of-Concept Randomized Controlled Study of Cognition Effects of the Proprietary Extract Sceletium tortuosum (Zembrin) Targeting Phosphodiesterase-4 in Cognitively Healthy Subjects: Implications for Alzheimer's Dementia. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2014; 2014:682014. [PMID: 25389443 PMCID: PMC4217361 DOI: 10.1155/2014/682014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Revised: 08/16/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Introduction. Converging evidence suggests that PDE-4 (phosphodiesterase subtype 4) plays a crucial role in regulating cognition via the PDE-4-cAMP cascade signaling involving phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein (CREB). Objective. The primary endpoint was to examine the neurocognitive effects of extract Sceletium tortuosum (Zembrin) and to assess the safety and tolerability of Zembrin in cognitively healthy control subjects.
Method. We chose the randomized double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over design in our study. We randomized normal healthy subjects (total n = 21) to receive either 25 mg capsule Zembrin or placebo capsule once daily for 3 weeks, in a randomized placebo-controlled 3-week cross-over design. We administered battery of neuropsychological tests: CNS Vital Signs and Hamilton depression rating scale (HAM-D) at baseline and regular intervals and monitored side effects with treatment emergent adverse events scale. Results. 21 subjects (mean age: 54.6 years ± 6.0 yrs; male/female ratio: 9/12) entered the study. Zembrin at 25 mg daily dosage significantly improved cognitive set flexibility (P < 0.032) and executive function (P < 0.022), compared with the placebo group. Positive changes in mood and sleep were found. Zembrin was well tolerated. Conclusion. The promising cognitive enhancing effects of Zembrin likely implicate the PDE-4-cAMP-CREB cascade, a novel drug target in the potential treatment of early Alzheimer's dementia. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01805518.
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A toxicological safety assessment of a standardized extract of Sceletium tortuosum (Zembrin®) in rats. Food Chem Toxicol 2014; 74:190-9. [PMID: 25301237 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2014.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2014] [Revised: 09/24/2014] [Accepted: 09/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A well-characterized standardized hydroethanolic extract of a traditionally recognized mak (mild) variety of Sceletium tortuosum, a South African plant with a long history of traditional ingestion, is marketed under the trade name Zembrin(®) as an ingredient for use in functional foods and dietary supplements. It is standardized to contain 0.35-0.45% total alkaloids (mesembrenone and mesembrenol ≥60%, and mesembrine <20%). A 14-day repeated oral toxicity study was conducted at 0, 250, 750, 2500, and 5000 mg/kg bw/day. A 90-day subchronic repeated oral toxicity study was conducted at 0, 100, 300, 450, and 600 mg/kg bw/day. Because S. tortuosum has a long history of human use for relieving stress and calming, a functional observation battery, including spontaneous locomotor activity measured using LabMaster ActiMot light-beam frames system, was employed. Several parameters, such as locomotion, rearing behavior, spatial parameters, and turning behavior were investigated in the final week of the study. No mortality or treatment-related adverse effects were observed in male or female Crl:(WI)BR Wistar rats in the 14- or 90-day studies. In the 14- and 90-day studies, the NOAELs were concluded as 5000 and 600 mg/kg bw/d, respectively, the highest dose groups tested.
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GC-MS, LC-MSn, LC-high resolution-MSn, and NMR studies on the metabolism and toxicological detection of mesembrine and mesembrenone, the main alkaloids of the legal high “Kanna” isolated from Sceletium tortuosum. Anal Bioanal Chem 2014; 407:761-78. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-014-8109-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Revised: 08/12/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Nathan PJ, Phan KL, Harmer CJ, Mehta MA, Bullmore ET. Increasing pharmacological knowledge about human neurological and psychiatric disorders through functional neuroimaging and its application in drug discovery. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2013; 14:54-61. [PMID: 24565013 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2013.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2013] [Revised: 11/15/2013] [Accepted: 11/15/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Functional imaging methods such as fMRI have been widely used to gain greater understanding of brain circuitry abnormalities in CNS disorders and their underlying neurochemical basis. Findings suggest that: (1) drugs with known clinical efficacy have consistent effects on disease relevant brain circuitry, (2) brain activation changes at baseline or early drug effects on brain activity can predict long-term efficacy; and (3) fMRI together with pharmacological challenges could serve as experimental models of disease phenotypes and be used for screening novel drugs. Together, these observations suggest that drug related modulation of disease relevant brain circuitry may serve as a promising biomarker/method for use in drug discovery to demonstrate target engagement, differential efficacy, dose-response relationships, and prediction of clinically relevant changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep J Nathan
- Brain Mapping Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, UK; School of Psychology and Psychiatry, Monash University, Australia; New Medicines, UCB Pharma, Belgium.
| | - K Luan Phan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, USA; Mental Health Service Line, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, USA
| | | | - Mitul A Mehta
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, UK
| | - Edward T Bullmore
- Brain Mapping Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, UK; GSK Clinical Unit Cambridge, GlaxoSmithKline, UK
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