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Zhao G, Ma Y, Wang X, Li W, Chen Y, Li W, Peng Y, Zheng J. Configurational Alteration Results in Change in Hepatotoxicity of Asarone. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:884-894. [PMID: 36584355 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c07555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
α-Asarone (αA) and β-asarone (βA) are often used as flavoring agents for alcoholic beverages and food supplements. They possess a double bond in the side chain with different configurations. Double bonds are a class of alert chemical group, due to their metabolic epoxidation to the corresponding epoxides eliciting liver injury. Little is known about changes of configuration on metabolic activation and related toxicity. Here, we report the insight into the mechanisms of hepatotoxicity of asarone with different configurations. In vitro and in vivo comparative studies demonstrated βA displayed higher metabolic activation effectiveness. Apparently, the major metabolic pathway of βA underwent epoxidation at C-1' and C-2', while αA was mainly metabolized to the corresponding alcohol resulting from the hydroxylation of C-3'. CYP1A2 dominated the metabolism of αA and βA. The molecular simulation studies showed that the orientation of βA at the active site of CYP1A2 favored the epoxidation of βA over that of αA. These findings not only remind us that configuration is another important factor for toxicities but also facilitate the understanding of the mechanisms of toxic action of asarone. Additionally, these findings would benefit the risk assessment of αA and βA exposure from foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guode Zhao
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, P. R. China
| | - Yufei Ma
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, P. R. China
| | - Xu Wang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, P. R. China
| | - Wei Li
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, P. R. China
| | - Yuqin Chen
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, P. R. China
| | - Weiwei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, P. R. China
| | - Ying Peng
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, P. R. China
| | - Jiang Zheng
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, P. R. China
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Kobets T, Smith BPC, Williams GM. Food-Borne Chemical Carcinogens and the Evidence for Human Cancer Risk. Foods 2022; 11:foods11182828. [PMID: 36140952 PMCID: PMC9497933 DOI: 10.3390/foods11182828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Commonly consumed foods and beverages can contain chemicals with reported carcinogenic activity in rodent models. Moreover, exposures to some of these substances have been associated with increased cancer risks in humans. Food-borne carcinogens span a range of chemical classes and can arise from natural or anthropogenic sources, as well as form endogenously. Important considerations include the mechanism(s) of action (MoA), their relevance to human biology, and the level of exposure in diet. The MoAs of carcinogens have been classified as either DNA-reactive (genotoxic), involving covalent reaction with nuclear DNA, or epigenetic, involving molecular and cellular effects other than DNA reactivity. Carcinogens are generally present in food at low levels, resulting in low daily intakes, although there are some exceptions. Carcinogens of the DNA-reactive type produce effects at lower dosages than epigenetic carcinogens. Several food-related DNA-reactive carcinogens, including aflatoxins, aristolochic acid, benzene, benzo[a]pyrene and ethylene oxide, are recognized by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as causes of human cancer. Of the epigenetic type, the only carcinogen considered to be associated with increased cancer in humans, although not from low-level food exposure, is dioxin (TCDD). Thus, DNA-reactive carcinogens in food represent a much greater risk than epigenetic carcinogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetyana Kobets
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-914-594-3105; Fax: +1-914-594-4163
| | - Benjamin P. C. Smith
- Future Ready Food Safety Hub, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Gary M. Williams
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
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Phase II Metabolism of Asarone Isomers In Vitro and in Humans Using HPLC-MS/MS and HPLC-qToF/MS. Foods 2021; 10:foods10092032. [PMID: 34574142 PMCID: PMC8467817 DOI: 10.3390/foods10092032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Metabolism data of asarone isomers, in particular phase II, in vitro and in humans is limited so far. For the first time, phase II metabolites of asarone isomers were characterized and human kinetic as well as excretion data after oral intake of asarone-containing tea infusion was determined. (2) Methods: A high pressure liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-qTOF-MS) approach was used to identify phase II metabolites using liver microsomes of different species and in human urine samples. For quantitation of the respective glucuronides, a beta-glucuronidase treatment was performed prior to analysis via high pressure liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). (3) Results: Ingested beta-asarone and erythro and threo-asarone diols were excreted as diols and respective diol glucuronide conjugates within 24 h. An excretion rate about 42% was estimated. O-Demethylation of beta-asarone was also indicated as a human metabolic pathway because a corresponding glucuronic acid conjugate was suggested. (4) Conclusions: Already reported O-demethylation and epoxide-derived diols formation in phase I metabolism of beta-asarone in vitro was verified in humans and glucuronidation was characterized as main conjugation reaction. The excretion rate of 42% as erythro and threo-asarone diols and respective asarone diol glucuronides suggests that epoxide formation is a key step in beta-asarone metabolism, but further, as yet unknown metabolites should also be taken into consideration.
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Hermes L, Römermann J, Cramer B, Esselen M. Quantitative Analysis of β-Asarone Derivatives in Acorus calamus and Herbal Food Products by HPLC-MS/MS. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2021; 69:776-782. [PMID: 33410326 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.0c05513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
α-Asarone and β-asarone are reported as bioactive constituents of Acorus calamus. Phase I metabolism of asarone isomers results in a multiple spectrum of genotoxic metabolites. Thus, the question arises whether structural analogues of the known phase I metabolites also naturally occur in A. calamus-based food products. A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for three product classes, herbal infusions, alcoholic beverages, and food supplements. High asarone contents were detected in herbal infusions (total mean 9.13 mg/kg, n = 8) and food supplements (total mean 14.52 mg/kg, n = 6); hence, these food products can highly contribute to human exposure to genotoxic asarone derivatives. Also, the occurrence of asarone oxidation products found in food and food supplements has to be taken under consideration because data on toxicity is limited so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Hermes
- Institute of Food Chemistry, University of Muenster, Corrensstraße 45, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Janis Römermann
- Institute of Food Chemistry, University of Muenster, Corrensstraße 45, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Benedikt Cramer
- Institute of Food Chemistry, University of Muenster, Corrensstraße 45, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Melanie Esselen
- Institute of Food Chemistry, University of Muenster, Corrensstraße 45, 48149 Muenster, Germany
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Uebel T, Hermes L, Haupenthal S, Müller L, Esselen M. α-Asarone, β-asarone, and γ-asarone: Current status of toxicological evaluation. J Appl Toxicol 2020; 41:1166-1179. [PMID: 33236787 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Asarone isomers are naturally occurring in Acorus calamus Linné, Guatteria gaumeri Greenman, and Aniba hostmanniana Nees. These secondary plant metabolites belong to the class of phenylpropenes (phenylpropanoids or alkenylbenzenes). They are further chemically classified into the propenylic trans- and cis-isomers α-asarone and β-asarone and the allylic γ-asarone. Flavoring, as well as potentially pharmacologically useful properties, enables the application of asarone isomers in fragrances, food, and traditional phytomedicine not only since their isolation in the 1950s. However, efficacy and safety in humans are still not known. Preclinical evidence has not been systematically studied, and several pharmacological effects have been reported for extracts of Acorus calamus and propenylic asarone isomers. Toxicological data are rare and not critically evaluated altogether in the 21st century yet. Therefore, within this review, available toxicological data of asarone isomers were assessed in detail. This assessment revealed that cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, and mutagenicity as well as carcinogenicity were described for propenylic asarone isomers with varying levels of reliability. The toxicodynamic profile of γ-asarone is unknown except for mutagenicity. Based on the estimated daily exposure and reported adverse effects, officials restricted or published recommendations for the use of β-asarone and preparations of Acorus calamus. In contrast, α-asarone and γ-asarone were not directly addressed due to a limited data situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Uebel
- Institute of Food Chemistry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Lena Hermes
- Institute of Food Chemistry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Lena Müller
- Institute of Food Chemistry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Melanie Esselen
- Institute of Food Chemistry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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6
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DNA double strand break repair as cellular response to genotoxic asarone isomers considering phase I metabolism. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 142:111484. [PMID: 32526244 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The phenylpropenes α-asarone and β-asarone are widely spread in the marsh plant Acorus calamus. Both isomers are classified as carcinogenic in rodents. However, the respective genotoxic mechanisms are not elucidated so far. The present study gives deeper insights into the genotoxic effects of asarone isomers as well as their known oxidative phase I metabolites, (E)-3'-oxoasarone and asarone epoxide. We show that asarone metabolites highly increase DNA strand breaks after 1 h of incubation, markedly metabolic activation contributes to their carcinogenic mode of action. All test compounds act as aneugens and potently enhance the amounts of micronuclei in binuclear cells. However, a prolonged incubation time of 24 h results in a decrease of DNA damage. This work suggests that asarone metabolites also induce DNA double strand breaks , why we put a strong focus on homologous recombination and non-homologous end joining. The obtained results herein indicate that asarone epoxide-induced DNA strand breaks are repaired via a homologous repair pathway.
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Baba M, Yamada KI, Ito M. Cloning and Expression of a Perilla frutescens Cytochrome P450 Enzyme Catalyzing the Hydroxylation of Phenylpropenes. PLANTS 2020; 9:plants9050577. [PMID: 32369997 PMCID: PMC7284770 DOI: 10.3390/plants9050577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Phenylpropanoid volatile components in plants are useful and valuable not only as flavorings, but also as medicines and food supplements. The pharmacological actions and toxicities of these compounds have been well studied but their synthetic pathways are generally unclear. In this study, we mined expressed sequence tag libraries of pure strains of perilla maintained for over 30 years for their oil type and conducted gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses of the perilla oils to confirm the presence of monohydrates speculated to be intermediates of the phenylpropene synthetics pathways. These putative monohydrate intermediates and their regioisomers were synthesized to identify the reaction products of assays of heterologously expressed enzymes. An enzyme involved in the synthesis of a phenylpropanoid volatile component was identified in perilla. Expression of this enzyme in Saccharomyces cerevisiae showed that it is a member of the cytochrome P450 family and catalyzes the introduction of a hydroxy group onto myristicin to form an intermediate of dillapiole. The enzyme had high sequence similarity to a CYP71D family enzyme, high regiospecificity, and low substrate specificity. This study may aid the elucidation of generally unexploited biosynthetic pathways of phenylpropanoid volatile components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Baba
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan;
| | - Ken-ichi Yamada
- Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima University, Shomachi, Tokushima 770-8505, Japan;
| | - Michiho Ito
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan;
- Correspondence:
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Bai Y, He X, Bai Y, Sun Y, Zhao Z, Chen X, Li B, Xie J, Li Y, Jia P, Meng X, Zhao Y, Ding Y, Xiao C, Wang S, Yu J, Liao S, Zhang Y, Zhu Z, Zhang Q, Zhao Y, Qin F, Zhang Y, Wei X, Zeng M, Liang J, Cuan Y, Shan G, Fan TP, Wu B, Zheng X. Polygala tenuifolia-Acori tatarinowii herbal pair as an inspiration for substituted cinnamic α-asaronol esters: Design, synthesis, anticonvulsant activity, and inhibition of lactate dehydrogenase study. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 183:111650. [PMID: 31539780 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Inspired by the traditional Chinese herbal pair of Polygala tenuifolia-Acori Tatarinowii for treating epilepsy, 33 novel substituted cinnamic α-asaronol esters and analogues were designed by Combination of Traditional Chinese Medicine Molecular Chemistry (CTCMMC) strategy, synthesized and tested systematically not only for anticonvulsant activity in three mouse models but also for LDH inhibitory activity. Thereinto, 68-70 and 75 displayed excellent and broad spectra of anticonvulsant activities with modest ability in preventing neuropathic pain, as well as low neurotoxicity. The protective indices of these four compounds compared favorably with stiripentol, lacosamide, carbamazepine and valproic acid. 68-70 exhibited good LDH1 and LDH5 inhibitory activities with noncompetitive inhibition type, and were more potent than stiripentol. Notably, 70, as a representative agent, was also shown as a moderately positive allosteric modulator at human α1β2γ2 GABAA receptors (EC50 46.3 ± 7.3 μM). Thus, 68-70 were promising candidates for developing into anti-epileptic drugs, especially for treatment of refractory epilepsies such as Dravet syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajun Bai
- Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Xirui He
- Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China; Department of Bioengineering, Zhuhai Campus of Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, 519041, China
| | - Yujun Bai
- Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | | | - Xufei Chen
- Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Bin Li
- Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Jing Xie
- Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Yang Li
- Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Pu Jia
- Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Xue Meng
- Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China; Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 710003, China
| | - Ye Zhao
- Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Yanrui Ding
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | | | | | - Jie Yu
- Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Sha Liao
- Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | | | - Zhiling Zhu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | | | - Yuhui Zhao
- Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | | | - Yi Zhang
- Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | | | - Min Zeng
- Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Jing Liang
- Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Ye Cuan
- Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Guangzhi Shan
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Tai-Ping Fan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1PD, UK.
| | - Biao Wu
- Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
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Sun Y, Bai Y, Zeng M, Chen X, Xie J, Li B, He X, Bai Y, Jia P, Meng X, Liang J, Wang S, Fan TP, Wu B, Zheng X. Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution evaluation of α-asaronol and its main metabolite in rats by HPLC method. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2019; 172:349-356. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2019.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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10
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Kobets T, Cartus AT, Fuhlbrueck JA, Brengel A, Stegmüller S, Duan JD, Brunnemann KD, Williams GM. Assessment and characterization of DNA adducts produced by alkenylbenzenes in fetal turkey and chicken livers. Food Chem Toxicol 2019; 129:424-433. [PMID: 31077736 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2019.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Formation of DNA adducts by five alkenylbenzenes, safrole, methyl eugenol, eugenol, and asarone with either α- or β-conformation, was analyzed in fetal avian livers in two in ovo models. DNA reactivity of the carcinogens safrole and methyl eugenol was previously demonstrated in the turkey egg model, whereas non-genotoxic eugenol was negative. In the current study, alkenylbenzenes were also tested in the chicken egg model. Injections with alkenylbenzenes were administered to fertilized turkey or chicken eggs for three consecutive days. Three hours after the last injection, liver samples were evaluated for DNA adduct formation using the 32P-nucleotide postlabeling assay. DNA samples from turkey livers were also analyzed for adducts using mass spectrometry. In both species, genotoxic alkenylbenzenes safrole, methyl eugenol, α- and β-asarone produced DNA adducts, the presence and nature of which, with exception of safrole, were confirmed by mass spectrometry, validating the sensitivity of the 32P-postlabeling assay. Overall, the results of testing were congruent between fetal turkey and chicken livers, confirming that these organisms can be used interchangeably. Moreover, data obtained in both models is comparable to genotoxicity findings in other species, supporting the usefulness of avian models for the assessment of genotoxicity as a potential alternative to animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetyana Kobets
- New York Medical College, Department of Pathology, 40 Sunshine Cottage Road, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA.
| | - Alexander T Cartus
- University of Kaiserslautern, Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Erwin-Schrödinger-Strasse 52, 67663, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Julia A Fuhlbrueck
- University of Kaiserslautern, Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Erwin-Schrödinger-Strasse 52, 67663, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Alexander Brengel
- University of Kaiserslautern, Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Erwin-Schrödinger-Strasse 52, 67663, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Simone Stegmüller
- University of Kaiserslautern, Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Erwin-Schrödinger-Strasse 52, 67663, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Jian-Dong Duan
- New York Medical College, Department of Pathology, 40 Sunshine Cottage Road, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA
| | - Klaus D Brunnemann
- New York Medical College, Department of Pathology, 40 Sunshine Cottage Road, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA
| | - Gary M Williams
- New York Medical College, Department of Pathology, 40 Sunshine Cottage Road, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA
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Uebel T, Wilken M, Vu Chi H, Esselen M. In vitro combinatory cytotoxicity of hepatocarcinogenic asarone isomers and flavonoids. Toxicol In Vitro 2019; 60:19-26. [PMID: 31047974 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2019.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Acorus calamus is a swamp herb, which is widely spread in northern hemisphere. It is used in infusions and in bitters but also in food supplements and in traditional herbal medicine. However, the main A. calamus ingredients, propenylic 2,4,5-trimethoxyphenylpropene isomers, termed alpha- (trans) and beta- (cis) asarone, are known carcinogens in rodents. Genotoxic and mutagenic properties are proposed. The presented in vitro cytotoxicity study focused on time-dependent and combinatory exposure scenarios. All experiments performed in HepG2 cells show moderate (in middle micromolar range) cytotoxicity with a time-dependent increase in effectiveness. The combination of the two asarone isomers in short time experiments (1 h) did not show any effect, whereas asarone isomer interaction changes from synergistic to antagonistic with an extended duration of exposure up to 72 h. The antagonism occurred predominantly in the naturally occurring trans/cis-asarone ratio of approximately 1:10. Combinatory cytotoxicity of asarones and selected, dietary relevant flavonoids in constant ratios was mainly attributed to flavonoid toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Uebel
- University of Muenster, Institute of Food Chemistry, Corrensstraße 45, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Markus Wilken
- University of Muenster, Institute of Food Chemistry, Corrensstraße 45, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Hung Vu Chi
- University of Muenster, Institute of Food Chemistry, Corrensstraße 45, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Melanie Esselen
- University of Muenster, Institute of Food Chemistry, Corrensstraße 45, 48149 Muenster, Germany.
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12
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Formation and fate of DNA adducts of alpha- and beta-asarone in rat hepatocytes. Food Chem Toxicol 2018; 116:138-146. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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13
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Chang W, Teng J. Combined application of tenuigenin and β-asarone improved the efficacy of memantine in treating moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's disease. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2018; 12:455-462. [PMID: 29551889 PMCID: PMC5842771 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s155567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a slowly progressive neurodegenerative disease which cannot be cured at present. The aim of this study was to assess whether the combined application of β-asarone and tenuigenin could improve the efficacy of memantine in treating moderate-to-severe AD. Patients and methods One hundred and fifty-two patients with moderate-to-severe AD were recruited and assigned to two groups. Patients in the experiment group received β-asarone 10 mg/d, tenuigenin 10 mg/d, and memantine 5–20 mg/d. Patients in the control group only received memantine 5–20 mg/d. The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR), and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) were used to assess the therapeutic effects. The drug-related adverse events were used to assess the safety and acceptability. Treatment was continued for 12 weeks. Results After 12 weeks of treatment, the average MMSE scores, ADL scores, and CDR scores in the two groups were significantly improved. But, compared to the control group, the experimental group had a significantly higher average MMSE score (p<0.00001), lower average ADL score (p=0.00002), and lower average CDR score (p=0.030). Meanwhile, the rates of adverse events were similar between the two groups. Subgroup analysis indicated that the most likely candidates to benefit from this novel method might be the 60–74-years-old male patients with moderate AD. Conclusion These results demonstrated that the combined application of β-asarone and tenuigenin could improve the efficacy of memantine in treating moderate-to-severe AD. The clinical applicability of this novel method showed greater promise and should be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenguang Chang
- Department of Neurology, Xinxiang Central Hospital, Xinxiang, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Junfang Teng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan, People's Republic of China
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