Rutaecarpine, a quinazolinocarboline alkaloid, inhibits prostaglandin production in RAW264.7 macrophages

Therapeutic Effects of the major alkaloid constituents of Evodia rutaecarpa in Alzheimer's disease

Since the report of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in 1907, it has garnered widespread attention due to its intricate pathogenic mechanisms, significant impact on patients' lives, and the substantial burden it places on society. Presently, effective treatments for AD remain elusive. Recent pharmacological studies on the traditional East Asian herb, Evodia rutaecarpa, have revealed that the bioactive alkaloid components within it can ameliorate AD-related cognitive impairments and neurological damage through various pathways, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-acetylcholinesterase activities. Consequently, this article provides an overview of the pharmacological effects and research status of the four main alkaloid components found in Evodia concerning AD. We hope this article will serve as a valuable reference for experimental and clinical research on the use of Evodia in AD prevention and treatment.

Major Indole Alkaloids in Evodia Rutaecarpa: The Latest Insights and Review of Their Impact on Gastrointestinal Diseases

Evodia rutaecarpa, the near-ripe fruit of Euodia rutaecarpa (Juss.) Benth, Euodia rutaecarpa (Juss.) Benth. var. officinalis (Dode) Huang, or Euodia rutaecarpa (Juss.) Benth. var. bodinieri (Dode) Huang, is a famous herbal medicine with several biological activities and therapeutic values, which has been applied for abdominalgia, abdominal distension, vomiting, and diarrhea as a complementary and alternative therapy in clinic. Indole alkaloids, particularly evodiamine (EVO), rutaecarpine (RUT), and dedhydroevodiamine (DHE), are received rising attention as the major bioactivity compounds in Evodia rutaecarpa. Therefore, this review summarizes the physicochemical properties, pharmacological activities, pharmacokinetics, and therapeutic effects on gastrointestinal diseases of these three indole alkaloids with original literature collected by PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, and CNKI up to June 2023. Despite sharing the same parent nucleus, EVO, RUT, and DHE have different structural and chemical properties, which result in different advantages of biological effects. In their wide range of pharmacological activities, the anti-migratory activity of RUT is less effective than that of EVO, and the neuroprotection of DHE is significant. Additionally, although DHE has a higher bioavailability, EVO and RUT display better permeabilities within blood-brain barrier. These three indole alkaloids can alleviate gastrointestinal inflammatory in particular, and EVO also has outstanding anti-cancer effect, although clinical trials are still required to further support their therapeutic potential.

Rutaecarpine ameliorates osteoarthritis by inhibiting PI3K/AKT/NF‑κB and MAPK signalling transduction through integrin αVβ3

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic progressive articular illness which commonly affects older‑aged adults, presenting with cartilage inflammation and degradation. Rutaecarpine (RUT) has been shown to exert promising anti‑inflammatory effects; however, the efficacy of RUT in the treatment of OA is debatable. The present study investigated the potential of RUT in alleviating OA in a mouse model. Treatment with RUT inhibited the inflammatory response and extracellular matrix degradation by suppressing process regulators in interleukin (IL)‑1β‑stimulated chondrocytes. Moreover, treatment with RUT in vitro upregulated the gene expression of anabolic agents, such as collagen type II, aggrecan and SRY‑box transcription factor 9, indicating that RUT contributed to cartilage repair. Additionally, flow cytometric assays, and the measurement of β‑galactosidase levels, autophagic flux and related protein expression revealed that RUT effectively attenuated IL‑1β‑induced chondrocyte apoptosis, senescence and autophagy impairment. In addition, bioinformatics analysis and in vitro experiments demonstrated that RUT protected cartilage by mediating the phosphoinositide‑3‑kinase (PI3K)/Akt/nuclear factor‑κB (NF‑κB) and mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. The ameliorative effects of RUT on IL‑1β‑stimulated chondrocytes were abrogated when siRNA was used to knock down integrin αVβ3. Furthermore, the results of immunohistochemical analysis and microcomputed tomography confirmed the in vivo therapeutic effects of RUT in mice with OA. On the whole, the present study demonstrates that RUT attenuates the inflammatory response and cartilage degradation in mice with OA by suppressing the activation of the PI3K/AKT/NF‑κB and MAPK pathways. Integrin αVβ3 may play a pivotal role in these effects.

Traditional Chinese medicine Euodiae Fructus: botany, traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity and quality control

Euodiae Fructus, referred to as "Wuzhuyu" in Chinese, has been used as local and traditional herbal medicines in many regions, especially in China, Japan and Korea, for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, headache, emesis, aphtha, dermatophytosis, dysentery, etc. Substantial investigations into their chemical and pharmacological properties have been performed. Recently, interest in this plant has been focused on the different structural types of alkaloids like evodiamine, rutaecarpine, dehydroevodiamine and 1-methyl-2-undecyl-4(1H)-quinolone, which exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities in preclinical models, such as anticancer, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cardiovascular disease, etc. This review summarizes the up-to-date and comprehensive information concerning the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology of Euodiae Fructus together with the toxicology and quality control, and discusses the possible direction and scope for future research on this plant.

Discovery of evodiamine derivatives as potential lead antifungal agents for the treatment of superficial fungal infections

Mycosis, especially superficial fungal infections (SFIs), has been a serious threat to humans in recent years. Evodiamine (EVO), as an effective component of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Evodia rutaecarpa, has good antibacterial effects and low toxicity. In order to find out the potential therapeutic agents against SFIs, a series of EVO derivatives were synthesized and systematic evaluations of antifungal activity were carried out. Among them, compound A7 exhibited great antifungal activity with the values of MIC₁₀₀ were 38, 38 and 2 μg/mL, respectively, against T. rubrum, T. mentagrophytes and C. albicans, and even stronger than that of ketoconazole (KCZ) with the values of MIC₁₀₀ were 106, 106 and 3 μg/mL, respectively. Further antifungal evaluations in vitro verified that compound A7 indeed had favorable antifungal activity. Moreover, compound A7 could exert excellent antifungal effect on T. rubrum-infected guinea pigs, suggesting that A7 was an attractive molecule and could be a potential lead compound for the development of anti-fungal agents, and providing a great promising therapeutic strategy for fungal disease.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel evodiamine and rutaecarpine derivatives against phytopathogenic fungi

Evodiamine and rutaecarpine are two alkaloids isolated from traditional Chinese herbal medicine Evodia rutaecarpa, which have been reported to have various biological activities in past decades. To explore the potential applications for evodiamine and rutaecarpine alkaloids and their derivatives, various kinds of evodiamine and rutaecarpine derivatives were designed and synthesized. Their antifungal profile against six phytopathogenic fungi Rhizoctonia solani, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium oxysporum, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and Magnaporthe oryzae were evaluated for the first time. Furthermore, a series of modified imidazole derivatives of rutaecarpine were synthesized to investigate the structure-activity relationship. The results of antifungal activities in vitro showed that imidazole derivative of rutaecarpine A1 exhibited broad-spectrum inhibitory activities against R. solani, B. cinerea, F. oxysporum, S. sclerotiorum, M. oryzae and F. graminearum with EC₅₀ values of 1.97, 5.97, 12.72, 2.87 and 16.58 μg/mL, respectively. Preliminary mechanistic studies showed that compound A1 might cause mycelial abnormalities of S. sclerotiorum, mitochondrial distortion and swelling, and inhibition of sclerotia formation and germination. Moreover, the curative effects of compound A1 were 94.7%, 81.5%, 80.8%, 65.0% at 400, 200, 100, 50 μg/mL in vivo experiments, which was far more effective than the positive control azoxystrobin. Significantly, no phytotoxicity of compound A1 on oilseed rape leaves was observed obviously even at a high concentration of 400 μg/mL. Therefore, compound A1 is expected to be a novel leading structure for the development of new antifungal agents.

Phytochemicals targeting matrix metalloproteinases regulating tissue degradation in inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis

PURPOSE

Matrix metalloproteinases, zinc dependent proteolytic enzymes, have significant implications in extracellular matrix degradation associated with tissue damage in inflammation and Rheumatoid arthritis. Numerous orchestrated pathways affects instigation and blockade of metalloproteinases as well as various factors that increase the expression of MMPs including inflammatory cytokines, hormones and growth factors. Direct inhibition of these proteolytic enzymes or modulation of these pathways can provide protection against tissue destruction in inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis. Inclination towards use of plant derived phytochemicals to prevent tissue damage has been increasing day by day. Diversity of phytochemicals have been known to directly inhibit metalloproteinases. Hence, thorough knowledge of phytochemicals is very important in novel drug discovery.

METHODS

Present communication evaluates various classes of phytochemicals, in effort to unveil the lead molecules as potential therapeutic agents, for prevention of MMPs mediated tissue damage in inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis. Data have been analyzed through different search engines.

RESULTS

Numerous phytochemicals have been studied for their role as MMPs inhibitors which can be processed further to develop into useful drugs for the treatment of inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis.

CONCLUSION

In search of new drugs, phytochemicals like flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, lignans & terpenes offer a wide canvas to develop into valuable forthcoming medicaments.

Genus Tetradium L.: A comprehensive review on traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The dried fruit of Tetradium ruticarpum is frequently utilized as a common traditional medicine in China, Japan and Korea. It has been widely used for the treatment of various diseases such as headache, menorrhalgia, dermatophytosis, celialgia, emesis and aphtha and so on.

AIM OF THIS REVIEW

Despite the wide biological activities of Tetradium plants, there is no current review summarizing medicinal properties of the genus of plants; thus, this review aims to systematically summarize studies on botanical characteristics, traditional uses, phytochemical ingredients, quality control, pharmacokinetics, pharmacological activities and toxicity of Tetradium species to demonstrate their therapeutic capacity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Information and materials related to Tetradium species were obtained from scientific databases such as Google Scholar, Wikipedia, Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, ACS Publications, SciFinder. Information was also gathered from International Plant Names Index, Global Biodiversity Information Facility, Chinese Pharmacopoeia and Traditional Chinese Medicine classics, etc. All studies of this genus were included in this review until July 2018.

RESULTS

Tetradium is widely assessed regarding its phytochemistry and biological activities. Approximately 131 chemical compounds, including alkaloids, saponins, phenols and other compounds, have been isolated from Tetradium plants. Among these components, alkaloid evodiamine is the most representative active ingredients of Tetradium plants. These compounds isolated from Tetradium plants exhibit a wide range of biological activities in vitro and in vivo including antitumor, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, insecticide, cardioprotective and lipid-lowering, treating CNS disorders, digestive system regulation and endocrine system improving activities. Furthermore, alkaloids could be used as markers for quality identification and evaluation of medicinal materials and their preparations. Information on evaluating the safety and pharmacokinetics of Tetradium often focuses on the alkaloids, thus further study and clinical data are required to enable the drug safety of the utilization of Tetradium plants.

CONCLUSIONS

Phytochemical and pharmacological studies of Tetradium plants have proved Tetradium plants are important medicinal herb resource. However, well-designed randomized clinical trials are necessary to confirm the therapeutic benefits of this genus in clinical settings.

Synthetic Fluororutaecarpine Inhibits Inflammatory Stimuli and Activates Endothelial Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid-Type 1

The natural product, rutaecarpine (RUT), is the main effective component of Evodia rutaecarpa which is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine. It has vasodilation, anticoagulation, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, further therapeutic applications are limited by its cytotoxicity. Thus, a derivative of RUT, 10-fluoro-2-methoxyrutaecarpine (F-RUT), was designed and synthesized that showed no cytotoxicity toward RAW264.7 macrophages at 20 μM. In an anti-inflammation experiment, it inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages; cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) induced by LPS were also downregulated. After 24 h of treatment, F-RUT significantly inhibited cell migration and invasion of ovarian A2780 cells. Furthermore, F-RUT promoted expressions of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) and endothelial (e)NOS in human aortic endothelial cells, and predominantly reduced the inflammation in ovalbumin/alum-challenged mice. These results suggest that the novel synthetic F-RUT exerts activities against inflammation and vasodilation, while displaying less toxicity than its lead compound.

OATP2A1/SLCO2A1-mediated prostaglandin E2 loading into intracellular acidic compartments of macrophages contributes to exocytotic secretion

There is significant evidence that the inducible cyclooxygenase isoform (COX-2) regulates the pericellular concentration of PGE2; however, the mechanism of the secretory process remains unclear. The present study, therefore, aimed to evaluate the role of prostaglandin transporter (OATP2A1) in PGE2 secretion from macrophages. Immunofluorescence staining for Oatp2a1 (Slco2a1) was primarily detected in cytoplasmic domains, and was partially co-localized with anti-PGE2 antibody, LysoTracker®, and anti-lysosome-associated membrane protein (Lamp) 1 antibody in murine macrophage-derived RAW264 cells and peritoneal macrophages (PMs). PGE2 uptake by subcellular fraction containing light lysosomes was reduced significantly in the presence of an OATP inhibitor and in Slco2a1(+/-) PMs. Secretion of PGE2 and lysosome-specific N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase was enhanced in activated macrophagic cells, and diminished significantly under the Ca(2+)-depleted condition. The amount of PGE2 secreted from lipopolysaccharide-activated Slco2a1(-/-) PMs was significantly lower than that from PMs from wild type (WT) mice. Expression of Cox-2 and 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-Pgdh) was unchanged between PMs from Slco2a1(-/-) and WT mice. These results suggest that OATP2A1 is involved in PGE2-loading into intracellular acidic compartments, including light lysosomes. Thus, OATP2A1 contributes to PGE2 secretion by macrophages via exocytosis induced by Ca(2+) influx, independently of PGE2 synthesis and metabolism.

Medicinal plants, human health and biodiversity: a broad review

Biodiversity contributes significantly towards human livelihood and development and thus plays a predominant role in the well being of the global population. According to WHO reports, around 80 % of the global population still relies on botanical drugs; today several medicines owe their origin to medicinal plants. Natural substances have long served as sources of therapeutic drugs, where drugs including digitalis (from foxglove), ergotamine (from contaminated rye), quinine (from cinchona), and salicylates (willow bark) can be cited as some classical examples.Drug discovery from natural sources involve a multifaceted approach combining botanical, phytochemical, biological, and molecular techniques. Accordingly, medicinal-plant-based drug discovery still remains an important area, hitherto unexplored, where a systematic search may definitely provide important leads against various pharmacological targets.Ironically, the potential benefits of plant-based medicines have led to unscientific exploitation of the natural resources, a phenomenon that is being observed globally. This decline in biodiversity is largely the result of the rise in the global population, rapid and sometimes unplanned industrialization, indiscriminate deforestation, overexploitation of natural resources, pollution, and finally global climate change.Therefore, it is of utmost importance that plant biodiversity be preserved, to provide future structural diversity and lead compounds for the sustainable development of human civilization at large. This becomes even more important for developing nations, where well-planned bioprospecting coupled with nondestructive commercialization could help in the conservation of biodiversity, ultimately benefiting mankind in the long run.Based on these findings, the present review is an attempt to update our knowledge about the diverse therapeutic application of different plant products against various pharmacological targets including cancer, human brain, cardiovascular function, microbial infection, inflammation, pain, and many more.

Molecular mechanism underlying anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activities of phytochemicals: an update

The resort worldwide to edible medicinal plants for medical care has increased significantly during the last few years. Currently, there is a renewed interest in the search for new phytochemicals that could be developed as useful anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic agents to reduce the risk of many diseases. The activation of nuclear transcription factor-kappa B (NF-κB) has now been linked to a variety of inflammatory diseases, while data from numerous studies underline the importance of phytochemicals in inhibiting the pathway that activates this transcription factor. Moreover, the incidence of type I allergic disorders has been increasing worldwide, particularly, the hypersensitivity to food. Thus, a good number of plant products with anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activity have been documented, but very few of these compounds have reached clinical use and there is scant scientific evidence that could explain their mode of action. Therefore, this paper intends to review the most salient recent reports on the anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties of phytochemicals and the molecular mechanisms underlying these properties.

The protective and healing effects of Si Shen Wan in trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid-induced colitis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Si Shen Wan is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine formula for the treatment of diseases with diarrhea, such as ulcerative colitis, allergic colitis and chronic colitis. To investigate the protective and healing effects of Si Shen Wan in the experimental colitis induced by trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid, and to furture explore its mechanism of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats with colitis treated with Si Shen Wan for 10 days. Colon wet weight, colon organ coefficient, colonic damage score and pathological change after trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid challenge were determined. The levels of MPO, MDA, GSH-PX, SOD and the expression of IL-4 and IL-10 mRNA in the colon were also measured.

RESULTS

After treatment, colon wet weight, colon organ coefficient and colonic damage score were lower than that in the control group (p<0.05). MDA and MPO concentrations in the inflamed colonic tissues were decreased remarkably in the treated groups compared with that in the control group (p<0.05). But SOD level, IL-4 and IL-10 mRNA expression in the inflamed colonic tissues were obviously increased.

CONCLUSIONS

It is a potential path that protective effect of Si Shen Wan on impaired colonic mucosa rats with experimental colitis was accomplished by down-regulating the level of MDA and MPO, and up-regulating the level of SOD and the IL-4 and IL-10 mRNA expression in the colon mucosa.

Pharmacological effects of rutaecarpine as a cardiovascular protective agent

Many studies indicate that traditional Chinese herbs are beneficial in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Evodia rutaecarpa (‘Wu-Chu-Yu’) remains the most popular and multi-purpose herb traditionally used in China for treatment of headache, abdominal pain, postpartum hemorrhage, dysentery and amenorrhea. Rutaecarpine is one of the intriguing indolopyridoquinazoline alkaloids isolated from ‘Wu-Chu-Yu’. Rutaecarpine has been shown to have cardiovascular biological effects such as inotropic and chronotropic, vasorelaxant, anti-platelet aggregation and anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, it has been reported that rutaecarpine has beneficial effects on some cardiovascular diseases. This review summarizes data on the cardiovascular pharmacological actions of rutaecarpine the published over the recent years, aiming to provide more evidence supporting its use in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Up-regulation of CYP1A1 by rutaecarpine is dependent on aryl hydrocarbon receptor and calcium

Rutaecarpine is a quinazolinocarboline alkaloid isolated from a traditional Chinese medicinal fruit, Evodia rutaecarpa. In the present study, we investigated the effect of rutaecarpine on CYP1A1 expression mediated by [Ca(2+)] and the AhR pathway in mouse hepatoma Hepa-1c1c7 cells. Rutaecarpine also significantly increased CYP1A1 enzyme activity and mRNA and protein levels. Rutaecarpine markedly induced XRE and AhR binding activity. CH-223191, an AhR antagonist, blocked the rutaecarpine-induced CYP1A1 enzyme activity and mRNA and protein expression. In addition, rutaecarpine remarkably induced the phosphorylation of Ca(2+)/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase (CaMK). W7 and BAPTA/AM, a CaM antagonist and an intracellular Ca(2+) chelator, respectively, blocked the rutaecarpine-induced CYP1A1 enzyme activity and mRNA and protein expression. These results indicate that rutaecarpine induces CYP1A1 expression through AhR- and calcium-dependent mechanisms.

Rutecarpine ameliorates bodyweight gain through the inhibition of orexigenic neuropeptides NPY and AgRP in mice

Orexigenic neuropeptides NPY and AgRP play major roles in feeding and are closely related to obesity and diabetic metabolic syndrome. This study explored the inhibitory effect of rutecarpine on feeding and obesity in high-fat-diet-induced (C57BL/6) and leptin-deficient (ob/ob) obese mice. Both mice strains developed obesity, but the obesity was inhibited by the reduced food intake resulting from rutecarpine treatment (0.01%, p<0.01). Blood cholesterol, non-fasting glucose, insulin, and leptin levels were reduced, compared with the control group. Rutecarpine inhibited the expression of NPY and AgRP in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the hypothalamus and suppressed the expression of both neuropeptides in N29-4 neuronal cells. These results indicate that rutecarpine ameliorates obesity by inhibiting food intake, which involves inhibited expression of the orexigenic neuropeptides NPY and AgRP.

A new therapeutic approach in Parkinson's disease: some novel quinazoline derivatives as dual selective phosphodiesterase 1 inhibitors and anti-inflammatory agents

The increasing life expectancy in our population makes Parkinson's disease (PD) a growing public health problem. There is a great need to find a way to prevent and delay the disease. It was shown that selective phosphodiesterase 1 (PDE1) inhibitors and anti-inflammatory agents might be effective in treating PD. Therefore, a novel 1,2,9,11-tetrasubstituted-7H-thieno[2',3':4,5]pyrimido[6,1-b]-quinazolin-7-one (1-15) and 1,3,10,12-tetrasubstituted-8H-pyrido[2',3':4,5]pyrimido[6,1-b]quinazolin-8-one (16-36) derivatives were synthesized by reported method and investigated for their ability to inhibit PDE1. Most of the synthesized compounds have shown good activity against PDE1 and were less effective than 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine. All the compounds were also tested for their in vitro anti-inflammatory activity by carrageenan-induced oedema in rats. In addition, ulcerogenic activity was determined. The combined anti-inflammatory data from in vitro animal model showed that compounds, 9,11-dibromo-1-(2-furyl)-3-(4-tolyl)-8H-pyrido[2',3':4,5]pyrimido[6,1-b]quinazolin-8-one 23, 9,11-dibromo-1-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-3-phenyl-8H-pyrido[2',3':4,5]pyrimido[6,1-b]quinazolin-8-one 24, 9,11-dibromo-1-(4-chloro-phenyl)-3-(4-tolyl)-8H-pyrido[2',3':4,5]pyrimido[6,1-b]quinazolin-8-one 29 and 9-bromo-1-(4-chloro-phenyl)-3-(4-tolyl)-8H-pyrido[2',3':4,5]pyrimido[6,1-b]quinazolin-8-one 36 exhibited even more potent anti-inflammatory activity and low gastric ulceration incidence compare to reference standard Indomethacin. Since compound 23, 24, 29 and 36 exhibits both anti-inflammatory activity and PDE1 inhibition, it needs further detailed studies.

Effects of Oral Rutaecarpine on the Pharmacokinetics of Intravenous Chlorzoxazone in Rats

It has been reported that hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2E1 is responsible for the metabolism of chlorzoxazone (CZX) to 6-hydroxychlorzoxazone. The present study was undertaken to assess the possible interaction of rutaecarpine, an alkaloid originally isolated from the unripe fruit of Evodia rutaecarpa, with CZX. Male Spraque-Dawley rats were administered with 80 mg/kg/day of oral rutaecarpine for three consecutive days. Twenty four hr after the pre-treatment with rutaecarpine, the rats were treated with 20 mg/kg of intravenous CZX Rat hepatic microsomes isolated from rutaecarpine-treated rats showed greater (50% increase) activity of p-nitrophenol hydroxylase (a marker of CYP2E1) when compared with the control rats. Compared with control rats, the AUC of CZX was significantly smaller (84% decrease) possibly due to significantly faster CL (646% increase) in rats pretreated with rutaecarpine. This could be, at least partially, due to induction of CYP2E1 by rutaecarpine.

The effects of rutaecarpine on the pharmacokinetics of acetaminophen in rats

Rutaecarpine, an alkaloid originally isolated from the unripe fruit of Evodia rutaecarpa, has been shown to be anti-inflammatory as it inhibits cyclooxygenase-2. It induces the activities of hepatic CYP 1A2, 2B, and 2E1 in rats. A possible interaction between rutaecarpine and acetaminophen (APAP) was investigated in male Sprague Dawley rats in the present study. When 25 mg/kg APAP was intravenously administered concurrently with 80 mg/kg rutaecarpine, the area under the curve of APAP in plasma was significantly decreased when compared to that of APAP alone. When the rats were pre-treated orally with 40 and 80 mg/kg rutaecarpine for 3 days, the % value of C(max) and area under the curve of acetaminophen-sulfate conjugate were significantly decreased to 56.4% and 61.7% of the vehicle control group, respectively. These results suggest that rutaecarpine might cause changes in the pharmacokinetic parameters of APAP in rats.

Rutaecarpine induces chloride secretion across rat isolated distal colon

The present study evaluated the effect of rutaecarpine (Rut) on Cl(-) secretion across rat distal colonic mucosa. Basolateral application of Rut elicited an increase in short-circuit current (I(SC)) response in a concentration-dependent manner. Evidence that Rut-stimulated I(SC) was due to Cl(-) secretion is based on 1) inhibition of current by bumetanide; 2) Cl(-) channel blockers diphenylamine-2-carboxylate, 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoic acid, and glibenclamide; and 3) removal of Cl(-) ions in bath solution. Determination of neurogenic blockers on Rut-induced I(SC) indicated that pretreatment of tissues with tetrodotoxin or indomethacin, but not atropine or hexamethonium, inhibited Rut-induced response. Treatment with Rut led to release and synthesis of prostaglandin E(2) in rat colonic mucosa. Rut-stimulated I(SC) was markedly reduced by pretreatment with MDL-12,330A [cis-N-[2-phenylcyclopentyl]-azacyclotridec-1-en-2-amine] and N-[2-(p-bromocinnamylamino)ethyl]-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide (H-89), but not with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid-acetoxymethyl ester, bisindolylmaleimide, and thapsigargin. Elimination of the extracellular Ca(2+) also did not alter Rut response. Rut treatment resulted in the increase in intracellular cAMP levels and the activation of protein kinase A. Depolarizing the basolateral membrane with high K(+) showed that Rut-stimulated apical Cl(-) current was largely prevented by cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) inhibitors. Permeabilizing apical membrane with nystatin revealed that Rut-stimulated basolateral K(+) current was specifically inhibited by Ba(2+) ions and chromanol 293B. The evidence derived from present study suggests that Rut-stimulated Cl(-) secretion is mediated by generation of endogenous prostaglandin E(2) and that it also involves the stimulation of cAMP and protein kinase A pathways, which subsequently lead to the activation of apical Cl(-) channels, mostly the CFTR and basolateral cAMP-dependent K(+) channels.

A hydroquinone formulation with increased stability and decreased potential for irritation

BACKGROUND

Long-term treatment with a high-strength hydroquinone (HQ) cream (usually 4% HQ) is the mainstay therapy for hyperpigmentation disorders. Instability and high potential for irritancy hinders patient compliance. A new 4% HQ preparation has been designed with an innovative antioxidant for stability and a biomimetic of an herbal extract for skin calming.

AIMS

To investigate the activity, stability, and irritancy of a new HQ cream.

METHODS

To evaluate the new HQ cream in comparison with commercial 4% HQ creams for stability by temperature stress test, for irritancy by repeated-insult patch test on human subjects, and for lightening effect using the MelanoDerm B skin equivalent model.

RESULTS

The new HQ is more resistant to browning and shows less irritancy than three commercially available 4% HQ products. It has comparable bleaching effect with faster onset than a 4% HQ product containing 0.05% tretinoin and 0.01% fluocinolone acetonide.

CONCLUSION

Based on its improved stability, lower irritancy, and activity in skin lightening, the new approach to the formulation of 4% HQ may improve therapeutic outcomes by improving patient compliance to dosing.

Anti-inflammatory principles from the fruits of Evodia rutaecarpa and their cellular action mechanisms

The fruits of Evodia rutaecarpa Benth (Rutaceae) has long been used for inflammatory disorders and some anti-inflammatory actions of its constituents such as dehydroevodiamine, evodiamine and rutaecarpine were previously reported. Since the pharmacological data is not sufficient to clearly establish the scientific rationale of anti-inflammatory medicinal use of this plant material and the search for its active principles is limited so far, three major constituents (evodiamine, rutaecarpine, goshuyuamide II) were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory cellular action mechanisms in the present study. From the results, evodiamine and rutaecarpine were found to strongly inhibit prostaglandin E2 synthesis from lipopolysaccharide-treated RAW 264.7 cells at 1-10 microM. Evodiamine inhibited cyclooxygenase-2 induction and NF-kappaB activation, while rutaecarpine did not. On the other hand, goshuyuamide II inhibited 5-lipoxygenase from RBL-1 cells (IC50 = 6.6 microM), resulting in the reduced synthesis of leukotrienes. However, these three compounds were not inhibitory against inducible nitric oxide synthase-mediated nitric oxide production from RAW cells up to 50 micorM. These pharmacological properties may provide the additional scientific rationale for anti-inflammatory use of the fruits of E. rutaecarpa.

Anti-inflammatory activity in skin by biomimetic of Evodia rutaecarpa extract from traditional Chinese medicine

BACKGROUND

Wu-Zhu-Yu, is an extract prepared from the small berry fruit of Evodia rutaecarpa and is reported to have anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptic activity. Methyl nicotinate (MN) is known to induce the release of PGD(2) resulting in localized erythema within 30 min after topical application to human skin.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine if a defined biomimetic mixture of components of Evodia fruit extract inhibit inflammation in human cells and skin.

METHODS

In order to control the potency of the test article, we prepared a defined biomimetic mixture of synthetic and natural forms of the active components of Evodia fruit extract, containing rutaecarpine, dehydroevodiamine, and evodin. This was tested for anti-inflammatory activity in UVB-irradiated cultured cells and in the MN model of micro-inflammation in human skin.

RESULTS

This Evodia biomimetic mixture was a potent inhibitor of UVB-induced PGE(2) released by keratinocytes in culture. We found that MN also induces release of nitric oxide from cultured keratinocytes and microvascular endothelial cells. Twice daily application of 0.1-1% Evodia biomimetic mixture for 2 weeks significantly inhibited erythema after a MN challenge. A single application of 1% Evodia biomimetic mixture also significantly inhibited MN-induced erythema when applied at 60 min before, or within 5 min after MN exposure. The Evodia biomimetic mixture was significantly more effective at inhibiting erythema than bisabolol, the active component of chamomile.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that compounds found in E. rutaecarpa (including the indole quinazoline alkaloids) have powerful anti-inflammatory activity when applied topically to human skin.

Inhibition of UVA irradiation-modulated signaling pathways by rutaecarpine, a quinazolinocarboline alkaloid, in human keratinocytes

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a key component in photoaging of the skin due to exposure to ultraviolet A, appear to be increased by ultraviolet A irradiation-associated generation of reactive oxygen species. In this study, we investigated the effects of synthetic rutaecarpine, which is also found in Evodia rutaecarpa, on the ultraviolet A-induced changes in the expression of gelatinases: matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 using HaCaT human keratinocytes as a model cellular system. Ultraviolet A irradiation of HaCaT cells increased the gelatinolytic activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9, which was significantly suppressed by the pretreatment with rutaecarpine. In addition, rutaecarpine significantly suppressed the ultraviolet A-induced enhanced expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 proteins and mRNAs. Rutaecarpine also inhibited the H2O2-induced increase in the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Furthermore, rutaecarpine decreased the ultraviolet A-induced increased generation of reactive oxygen species. Taken together, these results suggest that rutaecarpine inhibited ultraviolet A-induced reactive oxygen species generation, resulting in the enhanced expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in human skin cells. These results further suggest that ruetaecarpine may be useful in the prevention of ultraviolet A-induced photoaging.