1
|
Kanungo J, Sorkin BC, Krzykwa J, Mitchell CA, Embry M, Spencer P, Harry GJ, Cannon J, Liu F, McPherson CA, Gafner S, Westerink RHS. Screening tools to evaluate the neurotoxic potential of botanicals: building a strategy to assess safety. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2024; 20:629-646. [PMID: 38984683 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2024.2378895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
AREAS COVERED This paper outlines the selection of NAMs, including in vitro assays using primary rat cortical neurons, zebrafish embryos, and Caenorhabditis elegans. These assays aim to assess neurotoxic endpoints such as neuronal activity and behavioral responses. Microelectrode array recordings of rat cortical neurons provide insights into the impact of botanical extracts on neuronal function, while the zebrafish embryos and C. elegans assays evaluate neurobehavioral responses. The paper also provides an account of the selection of botanical case studies based on expert judgment and existing neuroactivity/toxicity information. The proposed battery of assays will be tested with these case studies to evaluate their utility for neurotoxicity screening. EXPERT OPINION The complexity of botanicals necessitates the use of multiple NAMs for effective neurotoxicity screening. This paper discusses the evaluation of methodologies to develop a robust framework for evaluating botanical safety, including complex neuronal models and key neurodevelopmental process assays. It aims to establish a comprehensive screening framework.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jyotshna Kanungo
- Division of Neurotoxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR, USA
| | - Barbara C Sorkin
- Office of Dietary Supplements, Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives, U.S. National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Julie Krzykwa
- Health and Environmental Sciences Institute, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Michelle Embry
- Health and Environmental Sciences Institute, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Peter Spencer
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - G Jean Harry
- Mechanistic Toxicology Branch, Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jason Cannon
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Fang Liu
- Division of Neurotoxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR, USA
| | - Christopher A McPherson
- Mechanistic Toxicology Branch, Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Remco H S Westerink
- Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
D'Cruz M, Andrade C. Potential clinical applications of Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera) in medicine and neuropsychiatry. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2022; 15:1067-1080. [PMID: 36062480 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2022.2121699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ashwagandha (ASW) is the extract of the plant Withania somnifera. It is widely used in complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine (CAIM) but is little discussed in mainstream modern medical literature. AREAS COVERED We performed a review of potential pharmacotherapeutic properties of ASW. Studies were sourced from relevant online and offline databases. In animal models, ASW displays antioxidant activity. It has GABAergic and other neurotransmitter modulatory effects. It reduces apoptosis and promotes synaptic plasticity. It improves cognition and reverses induced cognitive deficits. It attenuates indices of stress. In human subjects, ASW enhances adaptogenesis in healthy adults. It modestly benefits generalized anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, and symptom severity in schizophrenia, substance use disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It improves sleep quality. EXPERT OPINION ASW may confer modest benefit in certain neuropsychiatric conditions. Its benefits may arise from induction of neuroplasticity, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and modulation of GABA and glutamate, as well as other neurotransmitters. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions may also benefit neurodegenerative states. Reports of clinical benefit with ASW must be interpreted with caution, given the paucity of randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Greater methodological rigor is necessary before clinical recommendations on ASW can be confidently made.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Migita D'Cruz
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Chittaranjan Andrade
- Department of Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neurotoxicology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sharma L, Sharma A, Dash AK, Bisht GS, Gupta GL. A standardized polyherbal preparation POL-6 diminishes alcohol withdrawal anxiety by regulating Gabra1, Gabra2, Gabra3, Gabra4, Gabra5 gene expression of GABA A receptor signaling pathway in rats. BMC Complement Med Ther 2021; 21:13. [PMID: 33407346 PMCID: PMC7789136 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-020-03181-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol abuse is a major problem worldwide and it affects people's health and economy. There is a relapse in alcohol intake due to alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol withdrawal anxiety-like behavior is a symptom that appears 6-24 h after the last alcohol ingestion. METHODS The present study was designed to explore the protective effect of a standardized polyherbal preparation POL-6 in ethanol withdrawal anxiety in Wistar rats. POL-6 was prepared by mixing the dried extracts of six plants Bacopa monnieri, Hypericum perforatum, Centella asiatica, Withania somnifera, Camellia sinesis, and Ocimum sanctum in the proportion 2:1:2:2:1:2 respectively. POL-6 was subjected to phytochemical profiling through LC-MS, HPLC, and HPTLC. The effect of POL-6 on alcohol withdrawal anxiety was tested using a two-bottle choice drinking paradigm model giving animals' free choice between alcohol and water for 15 days. Alcohol was withdrawn on the 16th day and POL-6 (20, 50, and 100 mg/kg, oral), diazepam (2 mg/kg) treatment was given on the withdrawal days. Behavioral parameters were tested using EPM and LDT. On the 18th day blood was collected from the retro-orbital sinus of the rats and alcohol markers ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT were studied. At end of the study, animals were sacrificed and the brain was isolated for exploring the influences of POL-6 on the mRNA expression of GABAA receptor subunits in the amygdala and hippocampus. RESULTS Phytochemical profiling showed that POL-6 contains major phytoconstituents like withaferin A, quercetin, catechin, rutin, caeffic acid, and β-sitosterol. In-vivo studies showed that POL-6 possesses an antianxiety effect in alcohol withdrawal. Gene expression studies on the isolated brain tissues showed that POL-6 normalizes the GABAergic transmission in the amygdala and hippocampus of the rats. CONCLUSION The study concludes that POL-6 may have therapeutic potential for treating ethanol-type dependence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lalit Sharma
- Department of Pharmacy, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173234, India
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173229, India
| | - Aditi Sharma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173229, India
| | - Ashutosh Kumar Dash
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173229, India
- Natural Product Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, 180001, India
| | - Gopal Singh Bisht
- Department of BT/BI, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173234, India
| | - Girdhari Lal Gupta
- Department of Pharmacology, Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies University, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400056, India.
- School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Shirpur Campus, Shirpur, Maharashtra, 425405, India.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Speers AB, Cabey KA, Soumyanath A, Wright KM. Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on Stress and the Stress- Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia. Curr Neuropharmacol 2021; 19:1468-1495. [PMID: 34254920 PMCID: PMC8762185 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666210712151556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Withania somnifera (WS), also known as Ashwagandha, is commonly used in Ayurveda and other traditional medicine systems. WS has seen an increase in worldwide usage due to its reputation as an adaptogen. This popularity has elicited increased scientific study of its biological effects, including a potential application for neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. OBJECTIVE This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of preclinical and clinical studies examining the neuropsychiatric effects of WS, specifically its application in stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. METHODS Reports of human trials and animal studies of WS were collected primarily from the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. RESULTS WS root and leaf extracts exhibited noteworthy anti-stress and anti-anxiety activity in animal and human studies. WS also improved symptoms of depression and insomnia, though fewer studies investigated these applications. WS may alleviate these conditions predominantly through modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and sympathetic-adrenal-medullary axes, as well as through GABAergic and serotonergic pathways. While some studies link specific withanolide components to its neuropsychiatric benefits, there is evidence for the presence of additional, as yet unidentified, active compounds in WS. CONCLUSION While benefits were seen in the reviewed studies, significant variability in the WS extracts examined prevents a consensus on the optimum WS preparation or dosage for treating neuropsychiatric conditions. WS generally appears safe for human use; however, it will be important to investigate potential herb-drug interactions involving WS if used alongside pharmaceutical interventions. Further elucidation of active compounds of WS is also needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amala Soumyanath
- Address correspondence to these authors at the Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA; Tel/Fax: +1-503-494-6882, +1-503-494-7499; E-mails: ;
| | - Kirsten M. Wright
- Address correspondence to these authors at the Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA; Tel/Fax: +1-503-494-6882, +1-503-494-7499; E-mails: ;
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bassareo V, Talani G, Frau R, Porru S, Rosas M, Kasture SB, Peana AT, Loi E, Sanna E, Acquas E. Inhibition of Morphine- and Ethanol-Mediated Stimulation of Mesolimbic Dopamine Neurons by Withania somnifera. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:545. [PMID: 31275092 PMCID: PMC6593272 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Morphine- and ethanol-induced stimulation of neuronal firing of ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopaminergic neurons and of dopamine (DA) transmission in the shell of the nucleus accumbens (AcbSh) represents a crucial electrophysiological and neurochemical response underlying the ability of these compounds to elicit motivated behaviors and trigger a cascade of plasticity-related biochemical events. Previous studies indicate that the standardized methanolic extract of Withania somnifera roots (WSE) prevents morphine- and ethanol-elicited conditioned place preference and oral ethanol self-administration. Aim of the present research was to investigate whether WSE may also interfere with the ability of morphine and ethanol to stimulate VTA dopaminergic neurons and thus AcbSh DA transmission as assessed in male Sprague-Dawley rats by means of patch-clamp recordings in mesencephalic slices and in vivo brain microdialysis, respectively. Morphine and ethanol significantly stimulated spontaneous firing rate of VTA neurons and DA transmission in the AcbSh. WSE, at concentrations (200-400 μg/ml) that significantly reduce spontaneous neuronal firing of VTA DA neurons via a GABAA- but not GABAB-mediated mechanism, suppressed the stimulatory actions of both morphine and ethanol. Moreover, in vivo administration of WSE at a dose (75 mg/kg) that fails to affect basal DA transmission, significantly prevented both morphine- and ethanol-elicited increases of DA in the AcbSh. Overall, these results highlight the ability of WSE to interfere with morphine- and ethanol-mediated central effects and suggest a mechanistic interpretation of the efficacy of this extract to prevent the motivational properties of these compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Bassareo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Centre of Excellence on Neurobiology of Addiction, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Talani
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberto Frau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Simona Porru
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Michela Rosas
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra T Peana
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Eleonora Loi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Enrico Sanna
- Centre of Excellence on Neurobiology of Addiction, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Cagliari, Italy.,Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elio Acquas
- Centre of Excellence on Neurobiology of Addiction, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Savage K, Firth J, Stough C, Sarris J. GABA-modulating phytomedicines for anxiety: A systematic review of preclinical and clinical evidence. Phytother Res 2017; 32:3-18. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Revised: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Savage
- ARCADIA Mental Health Research Group, Professorial Unit, The Melbourne Clinic, Department of Psychiatry; The University of Melbourne; 2 Salisbury Street Richmond Victoria 3121 Australia
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology; Swinburne University of Technology; John St Hawthorn Victoria 3122 Australia
| | - Joseph Firth
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health; University of Manchester; Oxford Rd Manchester M13 9PL UK
- NICM, School of Science and Health; Western Sydney University; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Con Stough
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology; Swinburne University of Technology; John St Hawthorn Victoria 3122 Australia
| | - Jerome Sarris
- ARCADIA Mental Health Research Group, Professorial Unit, The Melbourne Clinic, Department of Psychiatry; The University of Melbourne; 2 Salisbury Street Richmond Victoria 3121 Australia
- NICM, School of Science and Health; Western Sydney University; Sydney NSW Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Spina L, Longoni R, Rosas M, Collu M, Peana AT, Espa E, Kasture S, Cotti E, Acquas E. Withania somnifera Dunal (Indian ginseng) impairs acquisition and expression of ethanol-elicited conditioned place preference and conditioned place aversion. J Psychopharmacol 2015; 29:1191-9. [PMID: 26349555 DOI: 10.1177/0269881115600132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Withania somnifera Dunal (Indian Ginseng) has recently been shown to impair ethanol self-administration. In order to gain further insights on the ability of the Withania somnifera standardised root extract (WSE) to affect the motivational properties of ethanol, this study investigated whether WSE may also affect ethanol (2 g/kg)-elicited conditioned place preference (CPP) and aversion (CPA). To this end male CD-1 mice were conditioned under two distinct schedules: in backward conditioning experiments ethanol was administered before mice were placed in the conditioning apparatus (CPP) while, in forward conditioning experiments, ethanol was administered immediately after removing mice from the apparatus (CPA). Following these schedules, mice developed significant CPP and CPA, respectively. Administration of WSE significantly impaired both the acquisition (50 and 100 mg/kg) and the expression (50 mg/kg) of CPP and CPA without affecting spatial memory (50 mg/kg), as determined by a two-trial memory recognition task. Overall, the study highlights the ability of WSE to interfere with both positive and negative motivational properties of ethanol and suggests that the effects of WSE may target both ethanol's motivational properties and underpinning associative learning mechanisms. In conclusion, these results cast new light on Withania somnifera as an agent potentially useful to counteract distinct aspects of ethanol effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Spina
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rosanna Longoni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Michela Rosas
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Collu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra T Peana
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Elena Espa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sanjay Kasture
- Sanjivani College of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Kopargaon, India
| | - Elisabetta Cotti
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elio Acquas
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy Centre of Excellence on Neurobiology of Addiction, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kataria H, Gupta M, Lakhman S, Kaur G. Withania somnifera aqueous extract facilitates the expression and release of GnRH: In vitro and in vivo study. Neurochem Int 2015; 89:111-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2015.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Revised: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
9
|
Nootropic potential of Ashwagandha leaves: Beyond traditional root extracts. Neurochem Int 2015; 95:109-18. [PMID: 26361721 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2015.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Revised: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Rapidly increasing aging population and environmental stressors are the two main global concerns of the modern society. These have brought in light rapidly increasing incidence of a variety of pathological conditions including brain tumors, neurodegenerative & neuropsychiatric disorders, and new challenges for their treatment. The overlapping symptoms, complex etiology and lack of full understanding of the brain structure and function to-date further complicate these tasks. On the other hand, several herbal reagents with a long history of their use have been asserted to possess neurodifferentiation, neuroregenerative and neuroprotective potentials, and hence been recommended as supplement to enhance and maintain brain health and function. Although they have been claimed to function by holistic approach resulting in maintaining body homeostasis and brain health, there are not enough laboratory studies in support to these and mechanism(s) of such beneficial activities remain largely undefined. One such herb is Ashwagandha, also called "Queen of Ayurveda" for its popular use in Indian traditional home medicine because of its extensive benefits including anticancer, anti-stress and remedial potential for aging and neurodegenerative pathologies. However, active principles and underlying mechanism(s) of action remain largely unknown. Here we provide a review on the effects of Ashwagandha extracts and active principles, and underlying molecular mechanism(s) for brain pathologies. We highlight our findings on the nootropic potential of Ashwagandha leaves. The effects of Ashwagandha leaf extracts are multidimensional ranging from differentiation of neuroblastoma and glioma cells, reversal of Alzheimer and Parkinson's pathologies, protection against environmental neurotoxins and enhancement of memory.
Collapse
|