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Pereira-de-Morais L, Alencar Silva AD, Sena Bastos CMD, Dias FJ, Menezes Dantas DD, Araújo MC, da Silva RER, Ferreira-da-Silva FW, Barbosa R, Leal-Cardoso JH. Citral relaxes umbilical vessels of normotensive and preeclamptic parturients. Placenta 2024; 152:65-71. [PMID: 38810530 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.05.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Citral is a low-toxicity monoterpene that has a vasodilator effect on various smooth muscles, and The present study aimed to evaluate its vasorelaxant effect on umbilical vessels of normotensive parturients (NTP) and with preeclampsia parturients (PEP). METHOD Segments of human umbilical artery (HUA) and vein (HUV) of NTP or PEP were mounted in a bath to record the force of contraction, under tension of 3.0 gf and contracted with the contracting agents: K+ (60 mM), 5 -HT (10 μM) and Ba2+ (1-30 mM). Next, the effect of citral (1-3000 μM) on these contractions and on basal tone was evaluated. RESULTS In HUA and HUV, citral (1-1000 μM), in NTP condition, inhibited contractions evoked by K+ (IC50 of 413.5 and 271.3, respectively) and by 5-HT (IC50 of 164.8 and 574.3). In the PEP condition, in HUA and HUV, citral also inhibited the contractions evoked by K+ (IC50 of 363.3 and 218.3, respectively) and 5-HT (IC50 of 432.1 and 520.4). At a concentration of 1000 μM, citral completely or almost completely (>90 %) inhibited all contractions. At a concentration of 100-1000 μM, citral, in general, was already able to reduce the contraction induced by 1-3 mM Ba2+ in both AUH and VUH, under NTP and PEP conditions. DISCUSSION Citral has been shown to be an effective HUA and HUV vasodilator in NTP and PEP. As its toxicity is low, it suggests that this substance can be considered a potential therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Pereira-de-Morais
- Northeastern Biotechnology Network, State University of Ceará, Itapery Campus, 60741-000, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Andressa de Alencar Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Physiological Sciences, State University of Ceará, Itapery Campus, 60741-000 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Carla Mikevely de Sena Bastos
- Postgraduate Program in Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri, Pimenta Campus, 63105-010 Crato, CE, Brazil
| | - Francisco Junio Dias
- Multicenter Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - Federal University of Cariri, 63048-080 Juazeiro do Norte, CE, Brazil
| | - Debora de Menezes Dantas
- Postgraduate Program in Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri, Pimenta Campus, 63105-010 Crato, CE, Brazil
| | - Marília Cavalcante Araújo
- Postgraduate Program in Physiological Sciences, State University of Ceará, Itapery Campus, 60741-000 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | | | - Roseli Barbosa
- Postgraduate Program in Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri, Pimenta Campus, 63105-010 Crato, CE, Brazil
| | - José Henrique Leal-Cardoso
- Northeastern Biotechnology Network, State University of Ceará, Itapery Campus, 60741-000, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Physiological Sciences, State University of Ceará, Itapery Campus, 60741-000 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
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Allam S, Krüger D, Michel K, Schnabl K, Klingenspor M, Schemann M, Annaházi A. Mechanisms involved in the muscle relaxing effects of STW 5 in guinea pig stomach. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2024:e14761. [PMID: 38342975 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The herbal preparation STW 5 ameliorates functional dyspepsia partly by relaxing smooth muscle of the proximal stomach, thus improving gastric accommodation. We explored the unknown pathways responsible for this effect by testing targets known to modulate gastric smooth muscle relaxation. METHODS STW 5-induced relaxation of smooth muscle strips from guinea pig gastric corpus before and after pharmacological interventions were recorded with force transducers in an organ bath. ORAI1 mRNA expression was tested in the proximal stomach. KEY RESULTS Blockade of Ca2+ -activated K+ and Cl- channels, voltage-gated L- or T-type Ca2+ channels, TRPA1-, TRPV1-, adenosine or 5-HT4 receptors, antagonizing ryanodine receptors, inhibiting cyclooxygenase or sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase did not affect STW 5-evoked relaxation. Likewise, protein-kinase A or G were not involved. However, the relaxation evoked by STW 5 was significantly reduced by phorbol-12-myristat-13-acetat, an activator of protein-kinase C, by 2- aminoethyldiphenylborinate, an inhibitor of the IP3 receptor-mediated Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum or by SKF-96365, a nonselective store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) blocker. Furthermore, the mixed TRPC3/SOCE inhibitor Pyr3, but not the selective TRPC3 blocker Pyr10, reduced the effect of STW 5. Finally, BTP2, a potent blocker of ORAI-coupled SOCE, almost abolished STW 5-evoked relaxation. Expression of ORAI1 could be demonstrated in the corpus/fundus. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES STW 5 inhibited SOCE, most likely ORAI channels, which are modulated by IP3- and PKC-dependent mechanisms. Our findings impact on the design of drugs to induce muscle relaxation and help identify phytochemicals with similar modes of actions to treat gastrointestinal disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shady Allam
- Chair of Human Biology, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Menoufia University, Shebeen El-Kom, Egypt
| | - Dagmar Krüger
- Chair of Human Biology, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Klaus Michel
- Chair of Human Biology, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Katharina Schnabl
- Chair for Molecular Nutritional Medicine, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Martin Klingenspor
- Chair for Molecular Nutritional Medicine, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Michael Schemann
- Chair of Human Biology, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Anita Annaházi
- Chair of Human Biology, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
- Chair of Zoology, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
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Logan K, Nwokocha C, Asemota H, Gray W. Characterization of ACE inhibitory activity in Dioscorea alata cv and its implication as a natural antihypertensive extract. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117221. [PMID: 37742877 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Yam (Dioscorea sp.) extracts have been shown to possess a vast array of medicinal properties such as antihypocholesterolemic, antiatherogenic and antihypertensive bioactivity. However, the compounds conferring its antihypertensive bioactivity have not been fully explored. AIM OF THE STUDY The objective of this study was to identify extractable bioactive fractions and associated compounds in Jamaican Renta Yam (Dioscorea alata) that contribute to its antihypertensive properties, using an activity driven chemoinformatic profiling method. MATERIALS AND METHODS A diethyl ether extract of Dioscorea alata was obtained by sequential Solid-Liquid extraction coupled to SPE-HPLC fractionation and its chemical composition was analyzed by GC-MS analysis. Its influence on hypertension was evaluated through a combination of in vitro ACE-Inhibitory activity assays and by molecular docking of the identified compounds to the ACE enzyme. RESULTS SLE revealed the presence of potent antihypertensive activity (ACE IC50 41.99 μg/mL) in the diethyl ether extract (DR2). GC-MS analysis of DR2 indicated the presence of small organic compounds (95.1 g/mol to 200 g/mol) with 2-Phenyl-1,3-oxazol-2-ine (2PO) being the most predominant small organic compound present in the bioactive extract. The binding affinity of 2PO was assessed using molecular docking of 2PO to the ACE enzyme and showed strong binding affinities forming two (2) hydrogen bonds with Tyr135 and Trp220 in the active site of the enzyme. The in vitro effect of DR2 using human umbilical vein endothelial cell lines (HUVECs) revealed; a significant dose-dependent ACE-Inhibitory activity, a stimulating of nitric oxide (NO) release and no toxicity towards these cells. CONCLUSION Overall, this study identified Jamaican Renta Yam (Dioscorea alata) as an alternative source of antihypertensive compounds which may address the toxicity seen with known synthetic antihypertensive agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keaton Logan
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences Biochemistry Section, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Chukwuemeka Nwokocha
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences Physiology Section, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Helen Asemota
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences Biochemistry Section, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Kingston, Jamaica; Biotechnology Centre University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Wesley Gray
- Biotechnology Centre University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Kingston, Jamaica; Department of Environmental Toxicology, Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
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Islam MR, Dhar PS, Akash S, Syed SH, Gupta JK, Gandla K, Akter M, Rauf A, Hemeg HA, Anwar Y, Aljohny BO, Wilairatana P. Bioactive molecules from terrestrial and seafood resources in hypertension treatment: focus on molecular mechanisms and targeted therapies. NATURAL PRODUCTS AND BIOPROSPECTING 2023; 13:45. [PMID: 37902881 PMCID: PMC10616036 DOI: 10.1007/s13659-023-00411-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Hypertension (HTN), a complex cardiovascular disease (CVD), significantly impacts global health, prompting a growing interest in complementary and alternative therapeutic approaches. This review article seeks to provide an up-to-date and thorough summary of modern therapeutic techniques for treating HTN, with an emphasis on the molecular mechanisms of action found in substances found in plants, herbs, and seafood. Bioactive molecules have been a significant source of novel therapeutics and are crucial in developing and testing new HTN remedies. Recent advances in science have made it possible to understand the complex molecular mechanisms underlying blood pressure (BP)-regulating effects of these natural substances better. Polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, and peptides are examples of bioactive compounds that have demonstrated promise in influencing several pathways involved in regulating vascular tone, reducing oxidative stress (OS), reducing inflammation, and improving endothelial function. The article explains the vasodilatory, diuretic, and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) modifying properties of vital plants such as garlic and olive leaf. Phytochemicals from plants are the primary in traditional drug development as models for novel antihypertensive drugs, providing diverse strategies to combat HTN due to their biological actions. The review also discusses the functions of calcium channel blockers originating from natural sources, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and nitric oxide (NO) donors. Including seafood components in this study demonstrates the increased interest in using bioactive chemicals originating from marine sources to treat HTN. Omega-3 fatty acids, peptides, and minerals obtained from seafood sources have anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, and antioxidant properties that improve vascular health and control BP. Overall, we discussed the multiple functions of bioactive molecules and seafood components in the treatment of HTN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Rezaul Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Puja Sutro Dhar
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Shopnil Akash
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Sabeena Hussain Syed
- School of Pharmacy, Vishwakarma University, Survey No 2, 3,4, Kondhwa Main Rd, Laxmi Nagar, Betal Nagar, Kondhwa, Pune, Maharashtra, 411048, India
| | | | - Kumaraswamy Gandla
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Chaitanya (Deemed to Be University), Himayath Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500075, India
| | - Muniya Akter
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Abdur Rauf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Swabi, Anbar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 23561, Pakistan.
| | - Hassan A Hemeg
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Al-Medinah Al-Monawara, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yasir Anwar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21441, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Bassam Oudh Aljohny
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21441, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Polrat Wilairatana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
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Silva H, Bárbara R. Exploring the Anti-Hypertensive Potential of Lemongrass—A Comprehensive Review. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11101382. [PMID: 36290288 PMCID: PMC9598547 DOI: 10.3390/biology11101382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Lemongrass is an herb used in folk medicine for the treatment of hypertension, although its pharmacological potential has not yet been thoroughly studied. This paper provides the first comprehensive review on the anti-hypertensive potential of lemongrass, from in vitro to clinical studies. Even though the composition of lemongrass is dependent on its geographical origin, citral constitutes its major compound. Both citral and lemongrass display vasorelaxant activity ex vivo, promoting the secretion of endothelial vasodilators and the blockage of calcium channels in the vascular smooth muscle. Additionally, citral also displays a negative chronotrope effect. In animal models and in human subjects, lemongrass significantly decreases blood pressure, probably due to the combination of the above-mentioned effects together with diuretic activity. Future preclinical studies are necessary to identify other anti-hypertensive compounds/pathways, as well as to better characterize the safety profile of lemongrass. Abstract Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf) is a herb commonly used in folk medicine for many purposes. However, its anti-hypertensive potential has not yet been thoroughly studied. This paper reviews the anti-hypertensive effects of both lemongrass and its main compound citral in in vitro, ex vivo, preclinical and clinical studies. Lemongrass essential oil contains terpenes and their derivatives, whereas extracts contain different classes of polyphenols. Both citral and lemongrass display vasorelaxant activity ex vivo, acting by the promotion of endothelial nitric oxide/prostanoids secretion together with the blockage of calcium channels in the vascular smooth muscle. Citral also displays a negative chronotrope effect, probably due to a centrally mediated enhancement of parasympathetic activity. In both healthy and hypertensive animals, the acute administration of lemongrass results in a decrease in blood pressure, sometimes accompanied by a compensatory increase in heart rate. Similarly, in healthy and hypertensive human subjects, the consumption of lemongrass tea decreases blood pressure. Additionally, a weak/moderate diuretic activity has also been reported in animals and humans, although the mechanisms of action remain elusive. Future preclinical studies are necessary to identify other compounds with anti-hypertensive activity and additional pharmacological pathways. Although well tolerated, the safety profile of lemongrass should be better characterized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrique Silva
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Health Technologies, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
- Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering Institute (IBEB), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Rita Bárbara
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
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Melissa officinalis L. Supplementation Provides Cardioprotection in a Rat Model of Experimental Autoimmune Myocarditis. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:1344946. [PMID: 35265259 PMCID: PMC8901324 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1344946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Due to existing evidence regarding antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Melissa officinalis extracts (MOEs), this study was aimed at investigating the potential of ethanolic MOE to prevent the development of myocarditis and its ability to ameliorate the severity of experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) by investigating MOE effects on in vivo cardiac function, structure, morphology, and oxidative stress parameters. A total of 50 7-week-old male Dark Agouti rats were enrolled in the study and randomly allocated into the following groups: CTRL, nontreated healthy rats; EAM, nontreated rats with EAM; MOE50, MOE100, and MOE200, rats with EAM treated with either 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg of MOE for 3 weeks per os. Myocarditis was induced by immunization of the rats with porcine myocardial myosin (0.5 mg) emulsion on day 0. Cardiac function and dimensions of the left ventricle (LV) were assessed via echocardiography. Additionally, the blood pressure and heart rate were measured. On day 21, rats were sacrificed and the hearts were isolated for further histopathological analyses (H/E and Picrosirius red staining). The blood samples were collected to determine oxidative stress parameters. The EAM group characteristically showed greater LV wall thickness and lower ejection fraction (50.33 ± 7.94% vs. 84.81 ± 7.74%) and fractional shortening compared to CTRL (p < 0.05). MOE significantly improved echocardiographic parameters (EF in MOE200 81.44 ± 5.51%) and also reduced inflammatory infiltrate (by 88.46%; p < 0.001) and collagen content (by 76.39%; p < 0.001) in the heart tissues, especially in the MOE200 group compared to the EAM group. In addition, MOEs induced a significant decrease of prooxidants production (O2−, H2O2, and TBARS) and improved antioxidant defense system via increase in GSH, SOD, and CAT compared to EAM, with medium and high dose being more effective than low dose (p < 0.05). The present study suggests that ethanolic MOEs, especially in a 200 mg/kg dose, improve cardiac function and myocardial architecture, possibly via oxidative stress mitigation, thus preventing heart remodeling, development of dilated cardiomyopathy, and subsequent heart failure connected with EAM. MOEs might be considered as a potentially helpful adjuvant therapy in patients with autoimmune myocarditis.
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Kamyab R, Namdar H, Torbati M, Ghojazadeh M, Araj-Khodaei M, Fazljou SMB. Medicinal Plants in the Treatment of Hypertension: A Review. Adv Pharm Bull 2021; 11:601-617. [PMID: 34888207 PMCID: PMC8642800 DOI: 10.34172/apb.2021.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional medicine is a comprehensive term for ancient, culture-bound health care practices that existed before the use of science in health matters and has been used for centuries. Medicinal plants are used to treat patients with cardiovascular diseases, which may occur due to ailments of the heart and blood vessels and comprise heart attacks, cerebrovascular diseases, hypertension, and heart failure. Hypertension causes difficulty in the functioning of the heart and is involved in atherosclerosis, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke. Many drugs are available for managing these diseases, though common antihypertensive drugs are generally accompanied by many side effects. Medicinal herbs have several active substances with pharmacological and prophylactic properties that can be used in the treatment of hypertension. This review presents an overview of some medicinal plants that have been shown to have hypotensive or antihypertensive properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raha Kamyab
- Department of Persian Medicine, Faculty of Traditional Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hossein Namdar
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammadali Torbati
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Nutrition, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Morteza Ghojazadeh
- Research Center for Evidence Based Medicine (RCEBM), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mostafa Araj-Khodaei
- Department of Persian Medicine, Faculty of Traditional Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research Center, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Kumar G, Dey SK, Kundu S. Herbs and their bioactive ingredients in cardio-protection: Underlying molecular mechanisms and evidences from clinical studies. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 92:153753. [PMID: 34610528 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medicinal plants or herbs produce a bounty of bioactive phytochemicals. These phytochemicals can influence a variety of physiological events related to cardiovascular health through multiple underlying mechanisms, such as their role as antioxidative, anti-ischemic, anti-proliferative, hypotensive, anti-thrombotic, and anti-hypercholesterolemic agents. PURPOSE The purpose of this review is to summarize and connect evidences supporting the use of phytotherapy in the management of some of the most common cardiovascular impairments, molecular mechanisms underlying cardio-protection mediated by herbs, and clinical studies which are positively linked with the use of herbs in cardiovascular biology. Additionally, we also describe several adverse effects associated with some of the herbal plants and their products to provide a balanced set of studies in favor or against phytotherapy in cardiovascular health that may help global discourses on this matter. METHODS Studies relating to the use of medicinal plants were mined by strategically searching scientific databases including Google Scholar, PubMed and Science Direct. Investigations involving approximately 175 articles including reviews, research articles, meta-analyses, and cross-sectional and observational studies were retrieved and analyzed in line with the stated purpose of this study. RESULTS A positive correlation between the use of medicinal plants and cardiovascular health was observed. While maintaining cardiovascular physiology, medicinal plants and their derivatives seem to govern a variety of cellular mechanisms involved in vasoconstriction and vasorelaxation, which in turn, are important aspects of cardiovascular homeostasis. Furthermore, a variety of studies including clinical trials, cross-sectional studies, and meta-analyses have also supported the anti-hypertensive and thus, cardio-protective effects, of medicinal plants. Apart from this, evidence is also available for the potential drawbacks of several herbs and their products indicating that the unsupervised use of many herbs may lead to severe health issues. CONCLUSIONS The cardio-protective outcomes of medicinal plants and their derivatives are supported by ever-increasing studies, while evidences exist for the potential drawbacks of some of the herbs. A balanced view about the use of medicinal plants and their derivative in cardiovascular biology thus needs to be outlined by researchers and the medical community. The novelty and exhaustiveness of the present manuscript is reflected by the detailed outline of the molecular basis of "herbal cardio-protection", active involvement of several herbs in ameliorating the cardiovascular status, adverse effects of medicinal plants, and the clinical studies considering the use of phytotherapy, all on a single platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Kumar
- Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research (ACBR), University of Delhi, Delhi-110007, India; Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Sanjay Kumar Dey
- Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research (ACBR), University of Delhi, Delhi-110007, India; Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Suman Kundu
- Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research (ACBR), University of Delhi, Delhi-110007, India; Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi 110021, India.
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Draginic N, Jakovljevic V, Andjic M, Jeremic J, Srejovic I, Rankovic M, Tomovic M, Nikolic Turnic T, Svistunov A, Bolevich S, Milosavljevic I. Melissa officinalis L. as a Nutritional Strategy for Cardioprotection. Front Physiol 2021; 12:661778. [PMID: 33967832 PMCID: PMC8100328 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.661778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This review aimed to provide a summary on the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities in the cardiovascular system and cardiotoxicity of Melissa officinalis (MO), with the special emphasis on the protective mechanisms in different cardiovascular pathologies. MO is a perennial aromatic herb commonly known as lemon balm, honey balm, or bee balm, which belongs to Lamiaceae family. Active components are mainly located in the leaves or essential oil and include volatile compounds, terpenoid (monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, triterpenes), and polyphenolic compounds [rosmarinic acid (RA), caffeic acid, protocatechuic acid, quercitrin, rhamnocitrin, luteolin]. For centuries, MO has been traditionally used as a remedy for memory, cognition, anxiety, depression, and heart palpitations. Up until now, several beneficial cardiovascular effects of MO, in the form of extracts (aqueous, alcoholic, and hydroalcoholic), essential oil, and isolated compounds, have been confirmed in preclinical animal studies, such as antiarrhythmogenic, negative chronotropic and dromotropic, hypotensive, vasorelaxant, and infarct size-reducing effects. Nonetheless, MO effects on heart palpitations are the only ones confirmed in human subjects. The main mechanisms proposed for the cardiovascular effects of this plant are antioxidant free radical-scavenging properties of MO polyphenols, amelioration of oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory effects, activation of M2 and antagonism of β1 receptors in the heart, blockage of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, stimulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthesis, prevention of fibrotic changes, etc. Additionally, the main active ingredient of MO-RA, per se, has shown substantial cardiovascular effects. Because of the vastness of encouraging data from animal studies, this plant, as well as the main ingredient RA, should be considered and investigated further as a tool for cardioprotection and adjuvant therapy in patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nevena Draginic
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia.,Department of Human Pathology, 1st Moscow State Medical University IM Sechenov, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir Jakovljevic
- Department of Human Pathology, 1st Moscow State Medical University IM Sechenov, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Marijana Andjic
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Jovana Jeremic
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Ivan Srejovic
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Marina Rankovic
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Marina Tomovic
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Tamara Nikolic Turnic
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Andrey Svistunov
- Research Institute of Pharmacy, 1st Moscow State Medical, University IM Sechenov, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey Bolevich
- Department of Human Pathology, 1st Moscow State Medical University IM Sechenov, Moscow, Russia
| | - Isidora Milosavljevic
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
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Verma T, Sinha M, Bansal N, Yadav SR, Shah K, Chauhan NS. Plants Used as Antihypertensive. NATURAL PRODUCTS AND BIOPROSPECTING 2021; 11:155-184. [PMID: 33174095 PMCID: PMC7981375 DOI: 10.1007/s13659-020-00281-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Hypertension is a critical health problem and worse other cardiovascular diseases. It is mainly of two types: Primary or essential hypertension and Secondary hypertension. Hypertension is the primary possibility feature for coronary heart disease, stroke and renal vascular disease. Herbal medicines have been used for millions of years for the management and treatment of hypertension with minimum side effects. Over aim to write this review is to collect information on the anti-hypertensive effects of natural herbs in animal studies and human involvement as well as to recapitulate the underlying mechanisms, from the bottom of cell culture and ex-vivo tissue data. According to WHO, natural herbs/shrubs are widely used in increasing order to treat almost all the ailments of the human body. Plants are the regular industrial units for the invention of chemical constituents, they used as immunity booster to enhance the natural capacity of the body to fight against different health problems as well as herbal medicines and food products also. Eighty percent population of the world (around 5.6 billion people) consume medicines from natural plants for major health concerns. This review provides a bird's eye analysis primarily on the traditional utilization, phytochemical constituents and pharmacological values of medicinal herbs used to normalize hypertension i.e. Hibiscus sabdariffa, Allium sativum, Andrographis paniculata, Apium graveolens, Bidenspilosa, Camellia sinensis, Coptis chinensis, Coriandrum sativum, Crataegus spp., Crocus sativus, Cymbopogon citrates, Nigella sativa, Panax ginseng,Salviaemiltiorrhizae, Zingiber officinale, Tribulus terrestris, Rauwolfiaserpentina, Terminalia arjuna etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarawanti Verma
- I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University (IKGPTU), Jalandhar, Punjab India
| | - Manish Sinha
- Laureate Institute of Pharmacy, Kathog, Jwalamukhi, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh India
| | - Nitin Bansal
- Department of Pharmacology, ASBASJSM College of Pharmacy, BELA, Ropar, Punjab India
| | - Shyam Raj Yadav
- Department of Chemistry, S.P. Jain College (Veer Kunwar Singh University, Ara), Sasaram, Bihar India
| | - Kamal Shah
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, NH#2, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281406 India
| | - Nagendra Singh Chauhan
- Drugs Testing Laboratory Avam Anusandhan Kendra, 1st Floor Govt. Ayurvedic Hospital Building, Govt. Ayurvedic College Campus G.E. Road, Raipur, Chhattisgarh 492010 India
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Umukoro S, Ben-Azu B, Iyiola AO, Adeboye B, Ajayi AM, Adebesin A, Omorobge O. Evaluation of the anticonvulsant and anxiolytic-like activities of aqueous leaf extract of Cymbopogon citratus in mice. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2019; 31:jbcpp-2019-0100. [PMID: 31730523 DOI: 10.1515/jbcpp-2019-0100] [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: 04/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Background Anxiety is a common ailment of high co-morbidity with epilepsy, a chronic neurologic disease characterized by recurrent seizures. Current drugs used for these conditions have several limitations such as disabling side effects, relapse, and ineffectiveness in certain population necessitating the search for alternative options. The aqueous leaf extract of Cymbopogon citratus (CYC) is widely used for its various health-promoting effects including relief of seizures and anxiety in ethnomedicine. This present study describes its effects on convulsions, anxiety-like behaviors, and social interaction in mice. Methods Male Swiss mice were pretreated orally with CYC (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg), diazepam (1 mg/kg), or distilled water (10 mL/kg) 60 min before induction of convulsions with intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of picrotoxin (10 mg/kg), pentylenetetrazole (PTZ; 85 mg/kg), or isoniazid (300 mg/kg). The animals were then observed for the occurrence of seizure for 30 min or 2 h for isoniazid. The effects of CYC on anxiety-like behaviors, social interaction, and spontaneous motor activity (SMA) were evaluated in naive mice. Results CYC (25-100 mg/kg) did not prevent convulsions nor delay the latency to convulsions induced by picrotoxin, PTZ, or isoniazid. Pretreatment with CYC (50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o) produced anxiolytic-like effect, decreased SMA, and also enhanced social interaction behavior in naive mice. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that CYC did not exhibit an anticonvulsant property in mice injected with picrotoxin, PTZ, or isoniazid, but its anxiolytic-like activity and social interaction-promoting effect might be of benefit as an adjuvant in improving the quality of life of epileptic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon Umukoro
- Neuropharmacology Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Benneth Ben-Azu
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt, River States, Nigeria
| | - Azeez O Iyiola
- Neuropharmacology Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Bamboye Adeboye
- Neuropharmacology Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Abayomi M Ajayi
- Neuropharmacology Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Adaeze Adebesin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
| | - Osarume Omorobge
- Neuropharmacology Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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de Carvalho EF, Gadelha KKL, de Oliveira DMN, Lima-Silva K, Batista-Lima FJ, de Brito TS, Paula SM, da Silva MTB, Dos Santos AA, Magalhães PJC. Neryl butyrate induces contractile effects on isolated preparations of rat aorta. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2019; 393:43-55. [PMID: 31420719 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-019-01709-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neryl butyrate is a constituent of volatile oils obtained from aromatic plants. Aliphatic organic compound analogues chemically close to neryl butyrate possess vasodilator properties in rat aorta. To evaluate whether neryl butyrate has relaxing properties, this study tested its effects on isolated rat aorta. Unlike the analogues, neryl butyrate did not show relaxant profile in aortic rings precontracted with phenylephrine, but induced a contraction when it stimulated aortic rings under resting tonus. The contractile effect augmented in endothelium-denuded aortic rings. Treatment of endothelium-intact preparations with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME or the guanylyl cyclase inhibitor ODQ also augmented the contractile effect of neryl butyrate. Such phenomenon was absent in the presence of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin. Contractile responses decreased in the presence of verapamil, a L-type Ca2+ channel blocker, or when Ca2+ was removed from the extracellular solution. Antagonists of α-adrenergic receptors (prazosin and yohimbine), but not the thromboxane-prostanoid receptor seratrodast, reversed the contraction induced by neryl butyrate. The α1A selective antagonist RS-17053 antagonized the neryl butyrate-induced contraction. The contraction caused by neryl butyrate was decreased by inhibiting the phospholipase C or the rho-associated kinase with U-73122 or Y-27632, respectively. Injected intravenously to awake rats, neryl butyrate induced arterial hypotension and bradycardia. Decreased frequency was also present in isolated right atrium preparations. In conclusion, the contractile effects of neryl butyrate were inhibited by α-adrenergic antagonists, indicating the involvement of α-adrenoceptors in the mechanism of action. In vivo, neryl butyrate caused hypotension, suggesting that other systemic influence than vasoconstriction may occur.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Karine Lima-Silva
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | | | - Suliana Mesquita Paula
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | | | - Pedro Jorge Caldas Magalhães
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil. .,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, R. Cel. Nunes de Melo 1315, Centro de Biomedicina, Rodolfo Teófilo, Fortaleza, CE, 60.430-270, Brazil.
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Umukoro S, Adeola AH, Ben-Azu B, Ajayi AM. Lemon Grass Tea Enhanced Memory Function and Attenuated Scopolamine-Induced Amnesia in Mice Via Inhibition of Oxidative Stress and Acetyl-Cholinesterase Activity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/10496475.2018.1520777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Solomon Umukoro
- Neuropharmacology Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Adeyinka Habeeb Adeola
- Neuropharmacology Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Benneth Ben-Azu
- Neuropharmacology Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Abayomi M. Ajayi
- Neuropharmacology Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Chrysant SG, Chrysant GS. Herbs Used for the Treatment of Hypertension and their Mechanism of Action. Curr Hypertens Rep 2017; 19:77. [DOI: 10.1007/s11906-017-0775-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Hepatoprotective Effect of Citral on Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Toxicity in Mice. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 2017:1796209. [PMID: 28717379 PMCID: PMC5499238 DOI: 10.1155/2017/1796209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
High doses of acetaminophen (APAP) lead to acute liver damage. In this study, we evaluated the effects of citral in a murine model of hepatotoxicity induced by APAP. The liver function markers alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (γGT) were determined to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of citral. The livers were used to determine myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and nitric oxide (NO) production and in histological analysis. The effect of citral on leukocyte migration and antioxidant activity was evaluated in vitro. Citral pretreatment decreased significantly the levels of ALT, AST, ALP, and γGT, MPO activity, and NO production. The histopathological analysis showed an improvement of hepatic lesions in mice after citral pretreatment. Citral inhibited neutrophil migration and exhibited antioxidant activity. Our results suggest that citral protects the liver against liver toxicity induced by APAP.
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Sheikh BY. The role of prophetic medicine in the management of diabetes mellitus: A review of literature. J Taibah Univ Med Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2015.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
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Al Disi SS, Anwar MA, Eid AH. Anti-hypertensive Herbs and their Mechanisms of Action: Part I. Front Pharmacol 2016; 6:323. [PMID: 26834637 PMCID: PMC4717468 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2015.00323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of herbal therapies for treatment and management of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is increasing. Plants contain a bounty of phytochemicals that have proven to be protective by reducing the risk of various ailments and diseases. Indeed, accumulating literature provides the scientific evidence and hence reason d'etre for the application of herbal therapy in relation to CVDs. Slowly, but absolutely, herbal remedies are being entrenched into evidence-based medical practice. This is partly due to the supporting clinical trials and epidemiological studies. The rationale for this expanding interest and use of plant based treatments being that a significant proportion of hypertensive patients do not respond to Modern therapeutic medication. Other elements to this equation are the cost of medication, side-effects, accessibility, and availability of drugs. Therefore, we believe it is pertinent to review the literature on the beneficial effects of herbs and their isolated compounds as medication for treatment of hypertension, a prevalent risk factor for CVDs. Our search utilized the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases, and the criterion for inclusion was based on the following keywords and phrases: hypertension, high blood pressure, herbal medicine, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), nitric oxide, vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation, hydrogen sulfide, nuclear factor kappa-B, oxidative stress, and epigenetics/epigenomics. Each of the aforementioned keywords was co-joined with herb in question, and where possible with its constituent molecule(s). In this first of a two-part review, we provide a brief introduction of hypertension, followed by a discussion of the molecular and cellular mechanisms. We then present and discuss the plants that are most commonly used in the treatment and management of hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara S. Al Disi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Qatar UniversityDoha, Qatar
| | - M. Akhtar Anwar
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Qatar UniversityDoha, Qatar
| | - Ali H. Eid
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Qatar UniversityDoha, Qatar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of BeirutBeirut, Lebanon
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Kouame NM, Kamagate M, Koffi C, Die-Kakou HM, Yao NAR, Kakou A. Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf : ethnopharmacologie, phytochimie, activités pharmacologiques et toxicologie. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10298-015-1014-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Akhondali Z, Dianat M, Radan M. Negative Chronotropic and Antidysrhythmic Effects of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis L.) on CaCl2-Induced Arrhythmias in Rats. Electron Physician 2015; 7:971-6. [PMID: 26052407 PMCID: PMC4455297 DOI: 10.14661/2015.971-976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In many cases, myocardial infarction leads to arrhythmia. Since antioxidant agents have an important protective role in heart disease, these compounds in medicinal plants are used in traditional medicine. Lemon balm extract, compared to other plants of the lamiaceae family, has been proven to have significant amounts of antioxidant compounds. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) on CaCl2-induced arrhythmias in rats. Methods: This research is an experimental study; male adult Sprague Dawley rats that weighed 200-250 g were divided randomly into three groups, i.e., 1) control (normal saline, 1 ml/kg/day), 2) extract (100 mg/kg), and 3) extract (200 mg/kg). The normal saline and the extracts were gavaged for 14 consecutive days. After anesthesia, lead II electrocardiograms were recorded for calculating the rats’ heart rates (HRs). Arrhythmia was induced by intravenous injection of CaCl2 solution (140 mg/kg), and the percentages of incidence of ventricular tachycardia (VT), ventricular fibrillation (VF), and ventricular premature beats (VPB) were recorded. The results were analyzed by using Fisher’s exact test and one-way ANOVA. P-values less than 0.05 were considered as significant level. Results: Heart rates and percentages of incidence of VPB, VT, and VF were reduced significantly in extract groups (with the highest activity at 200 mg/kg) in comparison with the control group. Conclusion: Melissa officinalis was considered to be an antiarrhythmic agent because it reduced the percentage of incidence of VPB, VT, and VF in the groups that received it. The results indicated that Melissa officinalis had a protective effect on the heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Akhondali
- M.Sc. Student of Physiology, Physiology Research Center and Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mahin Dianat
- Assistant Professor, Physiology Research Center and Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Maryam Radan
- Ph.D. Student of Physiology, Physiology Research Center and Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Rahim SM, Taha EM, Al-janabi MS, Al-douri BI, Simon KD, Mazlan AG. Hepatoprotective effect of Cymbopogon citratus aqueous extract against hydrogen peroxide-induced liver injury in male rats. AFRICAN JOURNAL OF TRADITIONAL, COMPLEMENTARY, AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINES 2014; 11:447-51. [PMID: 25435631 DOI: 10.4314/ajtcam.v11i2.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cymbopogon citratus (Poaceae) a tropical perennial herb plant that is widely cultivated to be eaten either fresh with food or dried in tea or soft drink has been reported to possess a number of medicinal and aromatic properties. This study aimed at evaluating the protective effects of C. citratus aqueous extract against liver injury induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), in male rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-five rats were randomly divided into five different groups of five animals in each group; (1) Control. (2) Received H2O2 (0.5%) with drinking water. (3), and (4) received H2O2 and C. citratus (100 mg·kg(-1) b wt), vitamin C (250 mg·kg(-1) b wt) respectively. (5), was given C. citratus alone. The treatments were administered for 30 days. Blood samples were collected and serum was used for biochemical assay including liver enzymes activities, total protein, total bilirubin and malonaldehyde, glutathione in serum and liver homogenates. Liver was excised and routinely processed for histological examinations. RESULTS C. citratus attenuated liver damage due to H2O2 administration as indicated by the significant reduction (p<0.05), in the elevated levels of ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, TB, and MDA in serum and liver homogenates; increase in TP and GSH levels in serum and liver homogenates; and improvement of liver histo-pathological changes. These effects of the extract were similar to that of vitamin C which used as antioxidant reference. CONCLUSION C. citratus could effectively ameliorate H2O2-induced oxidative stress and prevent liver injury in male rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleh Muhammad Rahim
- Dept.of Biology, Faculty of Education, University of Tikrit, 34001Tikrit,Salah Aldeen, Iraq ; School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, D.E., Malaysia
| | - Ekhlass Muhi Taha
- Dept. of Chemistry, Faculty of Science for Women, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Muneef Saeb Al-janabi
- Dept.of Biology, Faculty of Education, University of Tikrit, 34001Tikrit,Salah Aldeen, Iraq
| | - Bushra Ismael Al-douri
- Dept.of Biology, Faculty of Education, University of Tikrit, 34001Tikrit,Salah Aldeen, Iraq
| | - Kumar Das Simon
- School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, D.E., Malaysia
| | - Abd Gaffar Mazlan
- School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, D.E., Malaysia
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Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus (D.C) Stapf) polyphenols protect human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVECs) from oxidative damage induced by high glucose, hydrogen peroxide and oxidised low-density lipoprotein. Food Chem 2013; 151:175-81. [PMID: 24423518 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2013.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2013] [Revised: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 11/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The aromatic herb Cymbopogon citratus Stapf is widely used in tropical and subtropical countries in cooking, as a herbal tea, and in traditional medicine for hypertension and diabetes. Some of its properties have been associated with the in vitro antioxidant effect of polyphenols isolated from their aerial parts. However, little is known about C. citratus effects on endothelial cells oxidative injury. Using chromatographic procedures, a polyphenol-rich fraction was obtained from C. citratus (CCF) and their antioxidant properties were assessed by cooper-induced LDL oxidation assay. The main constituents of the active CCF, identified by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection and mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS), were chlorogenic acid, isoorientin and swertiajaponin. CCF 10 and 100 μg/ml diminishes reactive oxidative species (ROS) production in human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVECs), challenged with high D-glucose (60% inhibition), hydrogen peroxide (80% inhibition) or oxidised low-density lipoprotein (55% inhibition). CCF 10 or 100 μg/ml did not change nitric oxide (NO) production. However, CCF was able to inhibit vasoconstriction induced by the thromboxane A2 receptor agonist U46619, which suggest a NO-independent vasodilatador effect on blood vessels. Our results suggest that lemon grass antioxidant properties might prevent endothelial dysfunction associated to an oxidative imbalance promoted by different oxidative stimuli.
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Blanco MA, Colareda GA, van Baren C, Bandoni AL, Ringuelet J, Consolini AE. Antispasmodic effects and composition of the essential oils from two South American chemotypes of Lippia alba. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2013; 149:803-809. [PMID: 23954324 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
ETHOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE Lippia alba (Mill.) N. E. Brown (Verbenaceae) is an aromatic species used in Central and South America as eupeptic for indigestion. In Argentina, it is used by the "criollos" from the Chaco province. There are several chemotypes which differ in the chemical composition of the essential oils. Nowadays, it is experimentally cultivated in some countries of the region, including Argentina. AIM OF THE STUDY To compare the chemical composition and pharmacology of the essential oils from two chemotypes: "citral" (CEO) and "linalool" (LEO), in isolated rat duodenum and ileum. METHODS Contractile concentration-response curves (CRC) of acetylcholine (ACh) and calcium in 40mM K(+)-medium (Ca(2+)-CRC) were done in isolated intestine portions, in the absence and presence of CEO or LEO at different concentrations. RESULTS Likewise verapamil, CEO and LEO induced a non-competitive inhibition of the ACh-CRC, with IC50 of 7.0±0.3mg CEO/mL and 37.2±4.2mg LEO/mL. l-NAME, a NO-synthase blocker, increased the IC50 of CEO to 26.1±8.7mg CEO/mL. Likewise verapamil, CEO and LEO non-competitively inhibited the Ca(2+)-CRC, with IC50 of 6.3±1.7mg CEO/mL, 7.0±2.5mg LEO/mL and 0.24±0.04mg verapamil/mL (pIC50: 6.28). CEO was proved to possess limonene, neral, geranial and (-)-carvone as the major components, while LEO was rich in linalool. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that CEO has five times more potency than LEO to inhibit muscarinic contractions. The essential oils of both chemotypes interfered with the Ca(2+)-influx, but with an IC50 about 28 times higher than that of verapamil. Moreover, CEO partially stimulated the NO production. These results show the medicinal usefulness of both Lippia alba chemotypes, thus validating its traditional use, potency and mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos A Blanco
- Cátedra de Farmacología y Magister en Plantas Medicinales, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina; Bioquímica y Fitoquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
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Vasorelaxant effect of osterici radix ethanol extract on rat aortic rings. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:350964. [PMID: 24204390 PMCID: PMC3800564 DOI: 10.1155/2013/350964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2013] [Revised: 08/17/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The root of Ostericum koreanum Maximowicz has been used as a traditional medicine called “Kanghwal” in Korea
(or “Qianghuo” in China). The purpose of this study was to investigate the vasorelaxant activity and mechanism of action of an ethanol extract of the
O. koreanum root (EOK). We used isolated rat aortic rings to assess the effects of EOK on various vasorelaxant or vasoconstriction factors. EOK induced vasorelaxation in phenylephrine hydrochloride (PE) or KCl precontracted aortic rings in a concentration-dependent manner. However, the vasorelaxant effects of EOK on endothelium-intact aortic rings were reduced by pretreatment with
L-NAME or methylene blue.
In Ca2+-free Krebs-Henseleit solution, pretreatment with EOK (0.3 mg/mL) completely inhibited PE-induced constriction. In addition, EOK (0.3 mg/mL) also completely inhibited vasoconstriction induced by supplemental
Ca2+ in aortic rings that were precontracted with PE or KCl.
Furthermore, the EOK-induced vasorelaxation in PE-contracted aortic rings was inhibited by preincubation with nifedipine.
These results indicate that the vasorelaxant effects of EOK are responsible for the induction of NO formation from
L-Arg and NO-cGMP pathways, blockage of the extracellular Ca2+
entry via the receptor-operative Ca2+ channel and voltage-dependent calcium channel, and blockage of sarcoplasmic reticulum
Ca2+ release via the inositol triphosphate pathway.
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Vasodilator compounds derived from plants and their mechanisms of action. Molecules 2013; 18:5814-57. [PMID: 23685938 PMCID: PMC6270466 DOI: 10.3390/molecules18055814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2013] [Revised: 04/24/2013] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The present paper reviews vasodilator compounds isolated from plants that were reported in the past 22 years (1990 to 2012) and the different mechanisms of action involved in their vasodilator effects. The search for reports was conducted in a comprehensive manner, intending to encompass those metabolites with a vasodilator effect whose mechanism of action involved both vascular endothelium and arterial smooth muscle. The results obtained from our bibliographic search showed that over half of the isolated compounds have a mechanism of action involving the endothelium. Most of these bioactive metabolites cause vasodilation either by activating the nitric oxide/cGMP pathway or by blocking voltage-dependent calcium channels. Moreover, it was found that many compounds induced vasodilation by more than one mechanism. This review confirms that secondary metabolites, which include a significant group of compounds with extensive chemical diversity, are a valuable source of new pharmaceuticals useful for the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
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Vasodilator activity of the essential oil from aerial parts of Pectis brevipedunculata and its main constituent citral in rat aorta. Molecules 2013; 18:3072-85. [PMID: 23470336 PMCID: PMC6269927 DOI: 10.3390/molecules18033072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2013] [Revised: 02/27/2013] [Accepted: 03/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The essential oil of Pectis brevipedunculata (EOPB), a Brazilian ornamental aromatic grass, is characterized by its high content of citral (81.9%: neral 32.7% and geranial 49.2%), limonene (4.7%) and α-pinene (3.4%). Vasodilation induced by EOPB and isolated citral was investigated in pre-contracted vascular smooth muscle, using thoracic aorta from Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats which was prepared for isometric tension recording. EOPB promoted intense relaxation of endothelium-intact and denuded aortic rings with the concentration to induce 50% of the maximal relaxation (IC50) of 0.044% ± 0.006% and 0.093% ± 0.015% (p < 0.05), respectively. The IC50 values for citral in endothelium-intact and denuded rings were 0.024% ± 0.004% and 0.021% ± 0.004%, respectively (p > 0.05). In endothelium-intact aorta, EOPB-induced vasorelaxation was significantly reduced by L-NAME, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor. The vasodilator activity of citral was increased in the KCl-contracted aorta and citral attenuated the contracture elicited by Ca2+ in depolarized aorta. EOPB and citral elicited vasorelaxation on thoracic aorta by affecting the NO/cyclic GMP pathway and the calcium influx through voltage-dependent L-type Ca2+ channels, respectively.
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