Preclinical factors affecting the pharmacokinetic behaviour of tanshinone IIA, an investigational new drug isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza for the treatment of ischaemic heart diseases

3-Hydroxytanshinone Inhibits the Activity of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1-α by Interfering with the Function of α-Enolase in the Glycolytic Pathway

Tumor cells in hypoxic conditions control cancer metabolism and angiogenesis by expressing HIF-1α. Tanshinone is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been shown to possess antitumor properties and exerts a therapeutic impact on angiogenesis. However, the precise molecular mechanism responsible for the antitumor activity of 3-Hydroxytanshinone (3-HT), a type of tanshinone, has not been fully understood. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which 3-HT regulates the expression of HIF-1α. Our findings demonstrate that 3-HT inhibits HIF-1α activity and expression under hypoxic conditions. Additionally, 3-HT inhibits hypoxia-induced angiogenesis by suppressing the expression of VEGF. Moreover, 3-HT was found to directly bind to α-enolase, an enzyme associated with glycolysis, resulting in the suppression of its activity. This inhibition of α-enolase activity by 3-HT leads to the blockade of the glycolytic pathway and a decrease in glycolysis products, ultimately altering HIF1-α expression. Furthermore, 3-HT negatively regulates the expression of HIF-1α by altering the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Our study's findings elucidate the mechanism by which 3-HT regulates HIF-1α through the inhibition of the glycolytic enzyme α-enolase and the phosphorylation of AMPK. These results suggest that 3-HT holds promise as a potential therapeutic agent for hypoxia-related angiogenesis and tumorigenesis.

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. (Danshen) in the Treating Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Based on the Regulator of Metabolic Targets

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rapidly prevalent due to its strong association with increased metabolic syndrome such as cardio- and cerebrovascular disorders and diabetes. Few drugs can meet the growing disease burden of NAFLD. Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. (Danshen) have been used for over 2,000 years in clinical trials to treat NAFLD and metabolic syndrome disease without clarified defined mechanisms. Metabolic targets restored metabolic homeostasis in patients with NAFLD and improved steatosis by reducing the delivery of metabolic substrates to liver as a promising way. Here we systematic review evidence showing that Danshen against NAFLD through diverse and crossing mechanisms based on metabolic targets. A synopsis of the phytochemistry and pharmacokinetic of Danshen and the mechanisms of metabolic targets regulating the progression of NAFLD is initially provided, followed by the pharmacological activity of Danshen in the management NAFLD. And then, the possible mechanisms of Danshen in the management of NAFLD based on metabolic targets are elucidated. Specifically, the metabolic targets c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), nuclear translocation carbohydrate response element–binding protein (ChREBP) related with lipid metabolism pathway, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), cytochrome P450 (CYP) and the others associated with pleiotropic metabolism will be discussed. Finally, providing a critical assessment of the preclinic and clinic model and the molecular mechanism in NAFLD.

Targeting Oxidative Stress and Endothelial Dysfunction Using Tanshinone IIA for the Treatment of Tissue Inflammation and Fibrosis

Salvia miltiorrhiza Burge (Danshen), a member of the Lamiaceae family, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for many centuries as a valuable medicinal herb with antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic potential. Several evidence-based reports have suggested that Salvia miltiorrhiza and its components prevent vascular diseases, including myocardial infarction, myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, arrhythmia, cardiac hypertrophy, and cardiac fibrosis. Tanshinone IIA (TanIIA), a lipophilic component of Salvia miltiorrhiza, has gained attention because of its possible preventive and curative activity against cardiovascular disorders. TanIIA, which possesses antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic properties, could be a key component in the therapeutic potential of Salvia miltiorrhiza. Vascular diseases are often initiated by endothelial dysfunction, which is accompanied by vascular inflammation and fibrosis. In this review, we summarize how TanIIA suppresses tissue inflammation and fibrosis through signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR/eNOS, TGF-β1/Smad2/3, NF-κB, JNK/SAPK (stress-activated protein kinase)/MAPK, and ERK/Nrf2 pathways. In brief, this review illustrates the therapeutic value of TanIIA in the alleviation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis, which are critical components of cardiovascular disorders.

Modified Lipid Nanocapsules for Targeted Tanshinone IIA Delivery in Liver Fibrosis

Introduction

Liver fibrosis represents a serious global disease with no approved treatment. Tanshinone IIA (TSIIA) is a phytomedicine with documented activity in treating many hepatic disorders. TSIIA has been reported to have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can also induce apoptosis for activated hepatic stellate cells, and is thereby considered as a promising herbal remedy for treating fibrotic liver. However, its poor aqueous solubility, short half-life, exposure to the first-pass effect, and low concentration reaching targeted cells constitute the major barriers hindering its effective therapeutic potential. Therefore, this work aimed at enhancing TSIIA systemic bioavailability together with achieving active targeting potential to fibrotic liver via its incorporation into novel modified lipid nanocapsules (LNCs).

Methods

Blank and TSIIA-loaded LNCs modified with either hyaluronate sodium or phosphatidyl serine were successfully prepared, optimized, and characterized both in vitro and in vivo.

Results

The developed LNCs showed good colloidal properties (size ≤100 nm and PDI ≤0.2), high drug-entrapment efficiency (>97%) with sustained-release profile for 24 hours, high storage stability up to 6 months, and good in vitro serum stability. After a single intraperitoneal injection, the administered LNCs exhibited a 2.4-fold significant increase in AUC_0–∞ compared with the TSIIA suspension (p≤0.01). Biodistribution-study results proved the liver-targeting ability of the prepared modified LNCs, with a significant ~1.5-fold increase in hepatic accumulation compared with the unmodified formulation (p≤0.05). Moreover, the modified formulations had an improved antifibrotic effect compared with both unmodified LNCs and TSIIA suspension, as evidenced by the results of biochemical and histopathological evaluation.

Conclusion

The modified TSIIA-LNCs could be regarded as promising novel targeted nanomedicines for effective management of liver fibrosis.

Classical Active Ingredients and Extracts of Chinese Herbal Medicines: Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Molecular Mechanisms for Ischemic Stroke

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, and approximately 87% of cases are attributed to ischemia. The main factors that cause ischemic stroke include excitotoxicity, energy metabolism disorder, Ca⁺ overload, oxidative damage, apoptosis, autophagy, and inflammation. However, no effective drug is currently available for the comprehensive treatment of ischemic stroke in clinical applications; thus, there is an urgent need to find and develop comprehensive and effective drugs to treat postischemic stroke. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has unique advantages in treating ischemic stroke, with overall regulatory effects at multiple levels and on multiple targets. Many researchers have studied the effective components of TCMs and have achieved undeniable results. This paper reviews studies on the anticerebral ischemia effects of TCM monomers such as tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), dl-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP), ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1), tanshinone IIA (TSA), gastrodin (Gas), and baicalin (BA) as well as effective extracts such as Ginkgo biloba extract (EGB). Research on the anticerebral ischemia effects of TCMs has focused mostly on their antioxidative stress, antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, proangiogenic, and proneurogenic effects. However, the research on the use of TCM to treat ischemic stroke remains incompletely characterized. Thus, we summarized and considered this topic from the perspective of pharmacokinetics, pharmacological effects, and mechanistic research, and we have provided a reference basis for future research and development on anticerebral ischemia TCM drugs.

The effects of borneol on the pharmacokinetics and brain distribution of tanshinone IIA, salvianolic acid B and ginsenoside Rg1 in Fufang Danshen preparation in rats

Fufang Danshen preparation (FDP) is consisted of Salviae Miltiorrhizar Radix et Rhizoma (Danshen), Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Sanqi) and Borneolum Syntheticum (borneol). FDP is usually used to treat myocardial ischemia hypoxia, cerebral ischemia and alzheimer's disease, etc. In the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases, borneol is usually used to promote the absorption and distribution of the bioactive components to proper organs, especially to the brain. The purpose of this study is investigating the effects of borneol on the pharmacokinetics and brain distribution of tanshinone IIA (TS IIA), salvianolic acid B (SAB) and ginsenoside Rg1 in FDP. Male healthy Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were given Danshen extracts, Sanqi extracts (Panax notoginsengsaponins) or simultaneously administered Danshenextracts, Sanqi extracts and borneol. Plasma and brain samples were collected at different points in time. The concentration of TS IIA, SAB and Rg1 was determined by UPLC-MS/MS method. The main pharmacokinetics parameters of plasma and brain tissue were calculated by using Phoenix WinNolin 6.1 software. In comparison with Danshen and Sanqi alone, there were significant differences in pharmacokinetic parameters of TS IIA, SAB and Rg1, and the brain distribution of SAB and TS IIA when Danshen, Sanqi and borneol were administrated together. Borneol statistically significant shortened t_max of TS IIA, SAB and Rg1 in plasma and brain, increased the bioavaiability of Rg1, inhibited metabolism of Rg1 and enhanced the transport of TS IIA and SAB to brain. These results indicated that borneol could affect the multiple targets components and produce synergistic effects. Through accelerating the intestinal absorption and brain distribution, borneol caused the effective ingredients of Danshen and Sanqi to play a quicker therapeutic role and improved the therapeutic effect.

Discovery of (3-Benzyl-5-hydroxyphenyl)carbamates as New Antitubercular Agents with Potent In Vitro and In Vivo Efficacy

A series of 3-amino-5-benzylphenol derivatives were designed and synthesized. Among them, (3-benzyl-5-hydroxyphenyl)carbamates were found to exert good inhibitory activity against M. tuberculosis H37Ra, H37Rv and clinically isolated multidrug-resistant M. tuberculosis strains (MIC = 0.625–6.25 μg/mL). The privileged compounds 3i and 3l showed moderate cytotoxicity against cell line A549. Compound 3l also exhibited potent in vivo inhibitory activity on a mouse infection model via the oral administration. The results demonstrated 3-hydroxyphenylcarbamates as a class of new antitubercular agents with good potential.

Tanshinones, Critical Pharmacological Components in Salvia miltiorrhiza

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, a member of the Lamiaceae family, is valued in traditional Chinese Medicine. Its dried root (named Danshen) has been used for hundreds of years, primarily for the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Tanshinones are the main active ingredients in S. miltiorrhiza and exhibit significant pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory activity, cardiovascular effects, and antitumor activity. Danshen dripping pill of Tianshili is an effective drug widely used in the clinical treatment of cardiovascular diseases. With the increasing demand for clinical drugs, the traditional method for extracting and separating tanshinones from medicinal plants is insufficient. Therefore, in combination with synthetic biological methods and strategies, it is necessary to analyze the biosynthetic pathway of tanshinones and construct high-yield functional bacteria to obtain tanshinones. Moreover, the biosynthesis of tanshinones has been studied for more than two decades but remains to be completely elucidated. This review will systematically present the composition, extraction and separation, pharmacological activities and biosynthesis of tanshinones from S. miltiorrhiza, with the intent to provide references for studies on other terpenoid bioactive components of traditional Chinese medicines and to provide new research strategies for the sustainable development of traditional Chinese medicine resources.

Discovery of meta-Amido Bromophenols as New Antitubercular Agents

A series of meta-amido bromophenol derivatives were designed and synthesized. The compounds were found to potently inhibit the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra. They also exhibited moderate inhibitory activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv and multidrug-resistant strains. The compounds did not show inhibitory activity against normal Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Moderate cytotoxicities and good metabolic stability were observed for the selected compounds. The results demonstrated meta-amido bromophenols as a new class of antitubercular agents with good potentials.

Salvia miltiorrhiza: A Potential Red Light to the Development of Cardiovascular Diseases

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, also known as Danshen in Chinese, has been widely used to treat cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in China and other Asia countries. Here, we summarize literatures of the historical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) interpretation of the action of Salvia miltiorrhiza, its use in current clinical trials, its main phytochemical constituents and its pharmacological findings by consulting Pubmed, China Knowledge Resource Integrated, China Science and Technology Journal, and the Web of Science Databases. Since 2000, 39 clinical trials have been identified that used S. miltiorrhiza in TCM prescriptions alone or with other herbs for the treatment of patients with CVD. More than 200 individual compounds have been isolated and characterized from S. miltiorrhiza, which exhibited various pharmacological activities targeting different pathways for the treatment of CVD in various animal and cell models. The isolated compounds may provide new perspectives in alternative treatment regimes and reveal novel chemical scaffolds for the development of anti-CVD drugs. Meanwhile, there are also some rising concerns of the potential side effects and drug-drug interactions of this plant. The insights gained from this study will help us to better understanding of the actions of this herb for management of cardiovascular disorders. As an herb of red root, S. miltiorrhiza will act as a potential red light to prevent the development of CVD.

Tanshinones and mental diseases: from chemistry to medicine

The prevalence of mental diseases, especially neurodegenerative disorders, is ever-increasing, while treatment options for such disorders are limited and insufficient. In this scarcity of available medication, it is a feasible strategy to search for potential drugs among natural compounds, such as those found in plants. One such plant source is the root of Chinese sage, Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Labiatae), which contains several compounds reported to possess neuroprotective activities. The most important of these compounds are tanshinones, which have been reported to possess ameliorative activity against a myriad of mental diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, and glioma, along with promoting neuronal differentiation and manifesting antinociceptive and anticonvulsant outcomes. This review offers a critical evaluation of the utility of tanshinones to treat mental illnesses, and sheds light on the underlying mechanisms through which these naturally occurring compounds confer neuroprotection.

Mechanistic understanding of the effect of Dengzhan Shengmai capsule on the pharmacokinetics of clopidogrel in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The Dengzhan Shengmai capsule (DZSM) is known in China for its remarkable curative effect as a treatment of cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary heart disease and ischemic stroke. DZSM is a Chinese herbal compound preparation that consists of four ingredients, including Erigeron breviscapus (Vaniot) Hand.-Mazz., Panax ginseng C.A. Mey, Ophiopogon japonicas (Thunb.) Ker-Gawl. and Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill., and was indexed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2010. DZSM and clopidogrel are often co-prescribed in the clinic to prevent the recurrence of stroke or other cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. However, the effect of DZSM on the pharmacokinetics of clopidogrel remains unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of the study is to explore the pharmacokinetics and potential interaction between DZSM and clopidogrel and the underlying mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats were used to investigate the effect of DZSM on the pharmacokinetics of clopidogrel and its active metabolite in vivo. The plasma concentrations were simultaneously determined using LC-MS/MS. The effects of DZSM on the P-gp-mediated efflux transport and CYP450-mediated metabolism of clopidogrel were investigated using MDCKII-MDR1 cells and rat liver microsomes, respectively.

RESULTS

After pretreatment with DZSM, the C_max and AUC_0-∞ of clopidogrel increased from 0.4±0.1 to 1.7±0.6ng/mL and 0.9±0.4 to 2.0±0.2ng/mLh, respectively. The C_max and AUC_0-∞ of the derivatized active metabolite of clopidogrel decreased from 8.2±1.2 to 2.8±0.5ng/mL and 18.2±5.6 to 6.4±3.7ngh/mL, respectively. In MDCKII-MDR1 cells, the P-gp-mediated efflux transport of clopidogrel was significantly inhibited by the DZSM extract. In rat liver microsomes, DZSM inhibited clopidogrel metabolism with an IC₅₀ of 0.02mg/mL.

CONCLUSIONS

DZSM significantly affects the pharmacokinetics of clopidogrel and its active metabolite by inhibiting the P-gp-mediated efflux transport and CYP450-mediated metabolism of clopidogrel. Thus, caution is needed when DZSM is co-administered with clopidogrel in the clinic because the interaction of these drugs may result in altered plasma concentrations of clopidogrel and its active metabolite.

Simultaneous determination of tanshinones and polyphenolics in rat plasma by UPLC-MS/MS and its application to the pharmacokinetic interaction between them

The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetic interaction between tanshinones and polyphenolics which act as the main bioactive compounds in Saliva miltiorrhiza Bunge (SMB). Thus, a rapid and highly sensitive ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated to determine the concentrations of Tanshinone IIA (TSIIA), Tanshinone I (TI), Cryptotanshinone (CT), Salvianolic acid B (Sal B), Protocatechuic aldehyde (PAL), Rosmarinic acid (RA), and Danshensu (DSS) in rat plasma. The Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated to three groups which orally administered tanshinones (DST), polyphenolics (DFS), and a mixture of tanshinones and polyphenolics (DTF). These samples were processed by a simple liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) method with ethyl acetate. Chromatographic separation was achieved on an Acquity BEH C18 column (100 mm × 2. 1 mm, 1.7 µm) with the mobile phase consisting of 0.1% (v/v) formic acid and acetonitrile by gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. The detection was performed on a triple quadrupole-tandem mass spectrometer TQ-MS/MS equipped with negative and positive electrospray ionization (ESI) interface in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The statistical analysis was performed by the Student's t-test with P ≤ 0.05 as the level of significance. The method showed good precision, accuracy, recovery, sensitivity, linearity, and stability. The pharmacokinetic profiles and parameters of these polyphenolics changed when co-administrated with tanshinones. The tanshinones improved the bioavailability of DSS, accelerated the eliminating rate of RA and Sal B and promoted their distribution in vivo. They also contributed to promoting the biotransformation of Sal B to DSS. The polyphenolics could affect the pharmacokinetic of tanshinones, especially CT and TSIIA. Furthermore, the biotransformation of CT to TSIIA and the bioavailability of TSIIA were both improved. This study may provide useful information to avoid unexpected increase of the plasma drug concentration in the clinical practice. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Synthesis, Evaluation, and Mechanism Study of Novel Indole-Chalcone Derivatives Exerting Effective Antitumor Activity Through Microtubule Destabilization in Vitro and in Vivo

Twenty-nine novel indole-chalcone derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for antiproliferative activity. Among them, 14k exhibited most potent activity, with IC50 values of 3-9 nM against six cancer cells, which displayed a 3.8-8.7-fold increase in activity when compare with compound 2. Further investigation revealed 14k was a novel tubulin polymerization inhibitor binding to the colchicine site. Its low cytotoxicity toward normal human cells and nearly equally potent activity against drug-resistant cells revealed the possibility for cancer therapy. Cellular mechanism studies elucidated 14k arrests cell cycle at G2/M phase and induces apoptosis along with the decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential. Furthermore, good metabolic stability of 14k was observed in mouse liver microsomes. Importantly, 14k and its phosphate salt 14k-P inhibited tumor growth in xenograft models in vivo without apparent toxicity, which was better than the reference compound CA-4P and 2. In summary, 14k deserves consideration for cancer therapy.

Insight into the pharmacokinetic behavior of tanshinone IIA in the treatment of Crohn's disease: comparative data for tanshinone IIA and its two glucuronidated metabolites in normal and recurrent colitis models after oral administration

1. Previous reports implied that tanshinone IIA (TSA) may offer potential benefits for Crohn's disease (CD). However, the detailed pharmacokinetic behavior of TSA in the treatment of colitis remain unclear. Herein, a recurrent trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-colitis mouse model was used to investigate whether TSA possesses favorable pharmacokinetic and colonic distribution profiles to serve as a candidate drug. 2. Although the systemic TSA exposures were low (AUC_0-t approximately 330 ng*h/ml) in both the normal and colitis models after oral administration TSA 20 mg/kg, high levels of TSA were found in the gastrointestinal tract (GI). Such a GI exposure of TSA in colitis mice is adequate to exert anti-inflammatory effects as observed in various in vitro studies. 3. Interestingly, colonic TSA exposure in the colitis mouse model was much lower than that in the normal mice, which may be explained by a significant upregulation of colonic UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (Ugt)1a9 expression and a higher plasma concentration of TSA glucuronides in the model mice at 0.5, 1 and 2 h after TSA administration. 4. Together, these results reveal high accumulation at the site of inflammation and minimal systemic concentration of TSA, which are favorable pharmacokinetic behaviors to meet the requirements for CD treatment.

Inhibiton of cytochrome P450 isoenzymes and P-gp activity by multiple extracts of Huang-Lian-Jie-Du decoction

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Decotion (HLJDD), an important traditional Chinese medicine formula, has been used for various diseases in clinical practice, and thus has high potential to induce cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzymes/P-glycoprotein (P-gp) mediated herb-drug interactions (HDIs) with other co-administered drugs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vitro effects of multiple extracts including aqueous extracts, total flavonoids, iridoids, alkaloids from HLJDD on the activities of CYPs in rats (CYP1A2, CYP2C6, CYP2D2, CYP2E1 and CYP3A1) and P-gp, and then to predict potential interactions with co-administered drugs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effects of the four extracts from HLJDD on the CYPs activity were evaluated in rat liver microsomes incubation system, and then determined by LC-MS/MS-based CYPs probe substrate assay. Caco-2 cell monolayer was used to investigate the effect of the four extracts on the efflux of Rhodamine 123 to evaluate their influences on P-gp activity.

RESULTS

The results show that total flavonoids and alkaloids exibited strong inhibition on rat CYP isoenzymes activities. Total flavonoids exhibited different inhibitory effects on CYPs activities with an order of CYP3A1>CYP2C6>CYP2E1>CYP1A2>CYP2D2, and the values of IC₅₀ were 4.24, 8.16, 17.56, 19.03, 29.51 μg/mL, respectively. Total alkaloids possessed similar inhibition on CYPs and could strongly inhibit the activity of CYP2D2 (IC₅₀=2.38 μg/mL), CYP3A1 (IC₅₀=2.61 μg/mL), CYP2E1 (IC₅₀=22.35 μg/mL), CYP1A2 (IC₅₀=23.2 μg/mL) and CYP2C6 (IC₅₀=43.09 μg/mL). Moderate degree of inhibition on CYPs activities was observed in aqueous and total iridoids extracts. Results from transport assay revealed that total flavonoids and alkaloids exhibited significant inhibitory effect on P-gp activity as evidenced by strong inhibition on the efflux of Rhodamine-123 with IC₅₀ of 104.6 and 82.6 μg/mL. But aqueous extract showed weak and iridoids had negligible effect on P-gp activity.

CONCLUSIONS

This study clearly demonstrated that total flavonoids and alkaloids from HLJDD can significantly inhibit the activities of CYPs and P-gp, which should be taken into consideration to predict any potential HDIs when HLJDD and its bioactive components are co-administered with other therapeutic drugs metabolized by CYPs or transported by P-gp.

Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution study of tanshinone IIA after oral administration of Bushen Huoxue Qubi granules to rats with blood stasis syndrome

Background:

Bushen Huoxue Qubi (BHQ) granules, a traditional Chinese medicine preparation, has been clinically used for the treatment of the blood stasis syndrome.

Objective:

The main objective is to investigate whether the diseased condition would alter the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of tanshinone IIA in BHQ, which was given orally to the acute blood stasis rats.

Materials and Methods:

The main bioactive constituent in BHQ, tanshinone IIA, was measured in the plasma and tissues of animals by the high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. The analysis was successfully performed on an Agilent TC-C₁₈ column (250 × 4.6 mm I.D., 5 μm) protected with a  Octadecylsilane (ODS) guard column (10 × 4.6 mm I.D., 5 μm). The mobile phase was aqueous solution (A) (containing 0.40% aqueous acetic acid) and acetonitrile (B). The conditions of the solvent gradient elution were 35-40% (B) in 0-15 min, 40-42% (B) in 15-18 min and 42-70% (B) in 18-30 min at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. Detection was conducted with wavelength of 270 nm at 30°C.

Results:

Good linearity relationships were found (r²> 0.9955) over the investigated concentration range for bio-samples. Blood stasis was associated with significantly higher area under the concentration-time curve (AUC), the maximum plasma concentration (C_max) and biological half-life (t_1/2), lower total body clearance (CL) and apparent volume of distribution (Vd) of tanshinone IIA in plasma and higher AUC_0-t of tanshinone IIA in the analyzed tissues of rats treated with BHQ.

Conclusion:

Blood stasis could alter pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of tanshinone IIA in BHQ.

Effect of Tacrolimus on the pharmacokinetics of bioactive lignans of Wuzhi tablet (Schisandra sphenanthera extract) and the potential roles of CYP3A and P-gp

We recently reported that Wuzhi tablet (WZ), a preparation of the ethanol extract of Wuweizi (Schisandra sphenanthera), had significant effects on blood concentrations of Tacrolimus (FK506) in renal transplant recipients and rats. The active lignans in WZ are schisandrin A, schisandrin B, schisandrin C, schisandrol A, schisandrol B, schisantherin A, and schisantherin B. Until now, whether the pharmacokinetics of these lignans in WZ would be affected by FK506 remained unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether and how FK506 affected pharmacokinetics of lignans in WZ in rats and the potential roles of CYP3A and P-gp. After a single oral co-administration of FK506 and WZ, the blood concentration of lignans in WZ was decreased by FK506; furthermore, the AUC of schisantherin A, schisandrin A, schisandrol A and schisandrol B was only 64.5%, 47.2%, 55.1% and 57.4% of that of WZ alone group, respectively. Transport study in Caco-2 cells showed that these lignans were not substrates of P-gp, suggesting decreased blood concentration of lignans by FK506 was not via P-gp pathway. Metabolism study in the human recombinant CYP 3A showed that these lignans had higher affinity to CYP3A than that of FK506, and thus had a stronger CYP3A-mediated metabolism. It was concluded that the blood concentrations of these lignans were decreased and their CYP3A-mediated metabolisms were increased in the presence of FK506 since these lignans had higher affinity to CYP3A.

Tanshinone VI Inhibits the Expression of Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 and Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1

This study investigated the possible antitumor mechanisms of action of Tanshinone VI, one of the components of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, which is used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine. To this end, the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), were evaluated in-vitro in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-stimulated endothelial cells, with, or without the addition of Tanshinone VI (10, 20, 30, or 40 mM) in the culture medium; the effects of Tanshinone VI on angiogenesis was also evaluated with an epithelial cell tube formation assay and its toxicity was evaluated with a colorimetric (MTT) cell viability assay. The results showed that the up-regulation of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 induced by TNF-α was dose-dependently inhibited by Tanshinone VI, with restoration of control levels at the dose of 40 mM; Tanshinone VI also had a remarkable anti-angiogenesis effect, already at the dose of 10 mM, while none of the doses tested had significant effects on cell viability. These results indicate that the antitumor properties of Tanshinone VI can be ascribed to the inhibition of cell adhesion, due to blockage of the up-regulation of cell adhesion molecules, with the consequent inhibition of metastases formation and/or angiogenesis. The lack of toxic effects at the dosage used makes Tanshinone VI a good candidate for its therapeutic use in humans.

Apoptosis Induced by Tanshinone IIA and Cryptotanshinone Is Mediated by Distinct JAK/STAT3/5 and SHP1/2 Signaling in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia K562 Cells

Though tanshinone IIA and cryptotanshinone possess a variety of biological effects such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antimetabolic, and anticancer effects, the precise molecular targets or pathways responsible for anticancer activities of tanshinone IIA and cryptotanshinone in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) still remain unclear. In the present study, we investigated the effect of tanshinone IIA and cryptotanshinone on the Janus activated kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling during apoptotic process. We found that both tanshinone IIA and cryptotanshinone induced apoptosis by activation of caspase-9/3 and Sub-G1 accumulation in K562 cells. However, they have the distinct JAK/STAT pathway, in which tanshinone IIA inhibits JAK2/STAT5 signaling, whereas cryptotanshinone targets the JAK2/STAT3. In addition, tanshinone IIA enhanced the expression of both SHP-1 and -2, while cryptotanshinone regulated the expression of only SHP-1. Both tanshinone IIA and cryptotanshinone attenuated the expression of bcl-x_L, survivin, and cyclin D1. Furthermore, tanshinone IIA augmented synergy with imatinib, a CML chemotherapeutic drug, better than cryptotanshinone in K562 cells. Overall, our findings suggest that the anticancer activity of tanshinone IIA and cryptotanshinone is mediated by the distinct the JAK/STAT3/5 and SHP1/2 signaling, and tanshinone IIA has the potential for combination therapy with imatinib in K562 CML cells.

Tanshinones: sources, pharmacokinetics and anti-cancer activities

Tanshinones are a class of abietane diterpene compound isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen or Tanshen in Chinese), a well-known herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Since they were first identified in the 1930s, more than 40 lipophilic tanshinones and structurally related compounds have been isolated from Danshen. In recent decades, numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the isolation, identification, synthesis and pharmacology of tanshinones. In addition to the well-studied cardiovascular activities, tanshinones have been investigated more recently for their anti-cancer activities in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we update the herbal and alternative sources of tanshinones, and the pharmacokinetics of selected tanshinones. We discuss anti-cancer properties and identify critical issues for future research. Whereas previous studies have suggested anti-cancer potential of tanshinones affecting multiple cellular processes and molecular targets in cell culture models, data from in vivo potency assessment experiments in preclinical models vary greatly due to lack of uniformity of solvent vehicles and routes of administration. Chemical modifications and novel formulations had been made to address the poor oral bioavailability of tanshinones. So far, human clinical trials have been far from ideal in their design and execution for the purpose of supporting an anti-cancer indication of tanshinones.

Pharmacokinetic comparisons of single herb extract of Fufang Danshen preparation with different combinations of its constituent herbs in rats

Salvianolic acid B (SAB), tanshinone IIA (TS), ginsenoside Rb₁ (Rb₁), ginsenoside Rg₁ (Rg₁) and notoginsenoside R₁ (R₁) are major active ingredients of Fufang Danshen preparation (FDP) for its protective effects on myocardial ischemia. This study investigated the pharmacokinetics of marker compounds after oral administration of single herb extract and different combinations of constitutional herbs in FDP, and explored potential herb-herb interactions among the ingredients in the multi-herb medicine. The pharmacokinetics study on the target compounds in rat plasma was performed using an optimal ultra performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS) coupled with protein precipitation method. There were no statistically significant differences in pharmacokinetic parameters of SAB, TS, Rb₁, Rg₁ and R₁ between single Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza (S. miltiorrhiza) or Radix Panax notoginsen (P. notoginseng) extract and combination treatment. While, in comparison with oral administration of P. notoginseng extract alone, the pharmacokinetic parameters (C(max), AUC(0-72 h), AUC(0-∞), Cl, V), particularly for Rb₁ and Rg₁, were significantly different after oral administration P. notoginseng extract with addition of borneol (p<0.05). The AUC(0-72 h) values of Rb₁ and Rg₁ were significantly increased 1.3-fold and 1.6-fold, respectively, after P. Notoginsen extract co-administered with borneol. The results showed that herb-herb interactions may be accounting for the different pharmacokinetic behaviors of active constituents administered in compound prescriptions versus in single-herb extracts, however, which were not significant in most cases.

Tanshinone IIA and tanshinone I production by Trichoderma atroviride D16, an endophytic fungus in Salvia miltiorrhiza

In this study the isolation of an endophytic fungus from the root of the medicinal herb Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge is reported for the first time. The fungus produced tanshinone I and tanshinone IIA in rich mycological medium (potato dextrose broth) under shake flask and bench scale fermentation conditions. The fungus was identified as Trichoderma atroviride by its morphology and authenticated by ITS analysis (ITS1 and ITS2 regions and the intervening 5.8S rDNA region). Tanshinone I and tanshinone IIA were identified by HPLC and LC-HRMS/MS and confirmed through comparison with authentic standards. This endophytic fungus has significant scientific and industrial potential to meet the pharmaceutical demands for tanshinone I and tanshinone IIA in a cost-effective, easily accessible and reproducible way.

Effects of tanshinone IIA, a major component of Salvia miltiorrhiza, on platelet aggregation in healthy newborn piglets

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Tanshinone IIA (STS), an active ingredient of the Chinese herb Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) for angina and stroke in adults, has been reported to inhibit platelet function. However, its effect on platelet and underlying mechanism remain largely unknown, particularly in neonates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To investigate the effect of STS on the platelet aggregation and its interaction with various platelet activation pathways, platelet aggregatory function was studied in whole blood stimulated by collagen (2-10 μg/ml) ex vivo in newborn piglets receiving intravenous STS (0.1-10mg/kg, n=8) and in vitro in whole blood from newborn piglets (n=6) incubated with STS (0.1-100 μg/ml). The respective morphological changes of platelets were also examined by scanning electron microscopy. Plasma levels of nitrite/nitrate (NOx) and thromboxane B(2) (TxB(2)), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 activities were also examined. To further delineate the mechanistic pathway, the effect of STS on endothelial microparticles release from cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was quantified by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

STS impaired the ex vivo, but not in vitro, collagen-stimulated platelet aggregation. Infusion of STS elevated the plasma level of TxB(2) at 10mg/kg. However, STS had no effect on NOx level. Incubating cultured HUVECs with STS (1 and 10 μg/ml) caused a significant release of endothelial microparticles. Morphologically, STS elicited platelet activation in vivo, but not in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

STS impairs the ex vivo whole blood platelet aggregatory function by activating platelet in vivo in healthy newborn piglets. It implies that STS may elicit its effects by stimulating endothelial microparticles production and eicosanoid metabolism pathway.

Tanshinone IIA protects against cardiac hypertrophy via inhibiting calcineurin/NFATc3 pathway

Pathological cardiac hypertrophy induced by adrenergic overactivation can subsequently develop to heart failure which remains as a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Tanshinone IIA is a lipid-soluble pharmacologically active compound extracted from the rhizome of the Chinese herb Salvia miltiorrhiza, a well-known traditional Chinese medicine used for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders. However, little is know about the effect of Tanshinone IIA on cardiac hypertrophy. The present study was aimed to investigate whether Tanshinone IIA prevents cardiac hypertrophy induced by isoproterenol (ISO) and to clarify its possible mechanisms. Cardiomyocytes hypertrophy was induced by ISO 10 μM for 48 h with or without Tanshinone IIA 10, 30, 100 μM pretreatment, and evaluated by determining the cell size and the expression of ANP, BNP, β-MHC, Calcineurin, and NFATc3 by real-time PCR and western blot. We found that Tanshinone IIA pretreatment attenuated the enlargement of cell surface area induced by ISO in cultured cardiomyocytes. The mRNA level of ANP, BNP and β-MHC was obviously elevated in ISO-treated cardiac cells, which was effectively inhibited by Tanshinone IIA. Moreover, we found that Tanshinone IIA pretreatment could prevent the augment of intracellular calcium transient in ISO-treated cardiomyocytes. The further study revealed that Calcineurin, NFATc3, ANP, BNP and β-MHC proteins were upregulated by ISO in ventricular myocytes, and Tanshinone IIA pretreatment significantly attenuate the increased expression of Calcineurin, NFATc3, ANP, BNP and β-MHC proteins. In summary, Tanshinone IIA attenuated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by ISO through inhibiting Calcineurin/NFATc3 pathway, which provides new insights into the pharmacological role and therapeutic mechanism of Tanshinone IIA in heart diseases.

Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate increased intestinal hemodynamics without systemic circulatory changes in healthy newborn piglets

In traditional Chinese medicine, tanshinone IIA is a lipid-soluble component of Danshen that has been widely used for various cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders, including neonatal asphyxia. Despite promising effects, little is known regarding the hemodynamic effects of tanshinone IIA in newborn subjects. To examine the dose-response effects of sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS) on systemic and regional hemodynamics and oxygen transport, 12 newborn piglets were anesthetized and acutely instrumented for the placement of femoral arterial and venous, pulmonary arterial catheters to measure mean arterial, central venous, and pulmonary arterial pressures, respectively. The blood flow at the common carotid, renal, pulmonary, and superior mesenteric (SMA) arteries were continuously monitored after treating the piglets with either STS (0.1–30 mg/kg iv) or saline treatment ( n = 6/group). To further delineate the underlying mechanisms for vasorelaxant effects of STS, in vitro vascular myography was carried out to compare its effect on rat mesenteric and carotid arteries ( n = 4–5/group). STS dose-dependently increased the SMA blood flow and the corresponding oxygen delivery with no significant effect on systemic and pulmonary, carotid and renal hemodynamic parameters. In vitro studies also demonstrated that STS selectively dilated rat mesenteric but not carotid arteries. Vasodilation in mesenteric arteries was inhibited by apamin and TRAM-34 (calcium-activated potassium channel inhibitors) but not by meclofenamate (cyclooxygenase inhibitor) or N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (nitric oxide synthase inhibitor). In summary, without significant hemodynamic effects on newborn piglets, intravenous infusion of STS selectively increased mesenteric perfusion in a dose-dependent manner, possibly via an endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor vasodilating pathway.