Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of leaf extract of Mallotus repandus (Willd.) Muell. Arg

Structure-Activity Relationship of 7-Chloro-4-(Phenylselanyl) Quinoline: Novel Antinociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Mice

The 7-chloro-4-(phenylselanyl) quinoline (4-PSQ) shows promise for its antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we explored the structure-activity relationship of 4-PSQ and its analogues: 7-chloro-4-[(4-fluorophenyl) selanyl]quinoline (a), 7-chloro-4-{[3-trifluoromethyl)phenyl] selanyl} quinoline (b), 4-((3,5-Bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl) selanyl-7-chloroquinoline (c), 7-chloro-4-[(2,4,6-trimethyl)selanyl]quinolinic acid (d) and 7-chloroquinoline-4-selenium acid (e) in models of acute inflammation and chemical, thermal and mechanical nociception in mice, alongside in silico analysis. Compounds a (-F), b (-CF3), c (-Bis-CF3), d (-CH3), e (-OOH), and 4-PSQ exhibited antinociceptive effects in chemical and thermal nociception models, except d (-CH3) and e (-OOH) in the hot plate test. None induced locomotor changes. In silico, only c (-Bis-CF3) showed low gastrointestinal absorption, and c (-Bis-CF3) and e (-OOH) lacked blood-brain barrier penetration, suggesting e (-OOH) lacked central antinociceptive effect. These compounds had higher COX-2 affinity than COX-1. Our findings suggest substituent insertion alters 4-PSQ's efficacy as an antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory agent.

From Plant to Chemistry: Sources of Antinociceptive Non-Opioid Active Principles for Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design

Pain is associated with many health problems and a reduced quality of life and has been a common reason for seeking medical attention. Several therapeutics are available on the market, although side effects, physical dependence, and abuse limit their use. As the process of pain transmission and modulation is regulated by different peripheral and central mechanisms and neurotransmitters, medicinal chemistry continues to study novel ligands and innovative approaches. Among them, natural products are known to be a rich source of lead compounds for drug discovery due to their chemical structural variety and different analgesic mechanisms. Numerous studies suggested that some chemicals from medicinal plants could be alternative options for pain relief and management. Previously, we conducted a literature search aimed at identifying natural products interacting either directly or indirectly with opioid receptors. In this review, instead, we have made an excursus including active ingredients derived from plants whose mechanism of action appears from the literature to be other than the modulation of the opioid system. These substances could, either by themselves or through synthetic and/or semi-synthetic derivatives, be investigated in order to improve their pharmacokinetic characteristics and could represent a valid alternative to the opioid approach to pain therapy. They could also be the basis for the study of new mechanisms of action in the approach to this complex and disabling pathology.

Phillygenin from Forsythia suspensa leaves exhibits analgesic potential and anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice

Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl (Oleaceae) leaves are valuable sources of phillygenin. This study aimed to isolate phillygenin from F. suspensa leaves and examine its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Phillygenin was successfully extracted and isolated from F. suspensa leaves after fermentation. Phillygenin significantly reduced the number of writhing induced by acetic acid, prolonged the latency period in the hot plate test, and inhibited the xylene-induced ear edema and carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice. IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, NO, and PGE₂ levels in the carrageenan-induced paw edema were notably reduced after pretreatment with phillygenin. Phillygenin significantly decreased the iNOS and COX-2 protein expressions and the IκB-α and NF-κB p65 phosphorylation. This study demonstrated that phillygenin is a potential therapeutic candidate for managing pain and inflammation-mediated disorders. The study contributes to the comprehensive development and utilization of F. suspensa leaves for economic and health care. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Phillygenin is one of the major active ingredients in Forsythia suspensa. But the content of phillygenin in F. suspensa is very low which limits its application. Phillygenin has potential pharmacological activity and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the potential effects of phillygenin on analgesic activity have not been clarified. Furthermore, the data on its anti-inflammatory activity in vivo are relatively limited. This study evaluated the analgesic activity for the first time and the acute anti-inflammatory effect of phillygenin from F. suspensa leaves by fermentation, which indicated phillygenin is a potential therapeutic candidate for managing pain and inflammation-mediated disorders.

Potential anti neuro-inflammatory effect of BioCen-128 in animal models of dementia

Background

BioCen‐128 is a new active pharmaceutical ingredient composed of a specific bovine thymic fraction of a polypeptide nature. Positive results of similar thymus extracts have been shown to be effective in delaying the processes associated with aging, immunosenescence and Alzheimer's disease (AD), where the inflammation plays an important role. Because of the anti‐inflammatory potential of BioCen‐128, the aim of this study was to evaluate the granuloma model induced by a cotton wool implantation and the model induced by intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of streptozotocin (STZ).

Method

The experiment was carried out using male OF‐1_cenp mice weighing 20 ± 2 g.

Results

Mice administered BioCen‐128 in via the IP route at 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg of corporal weigh showed a decrease in the wet and dry weights of the granuloma, providing evidence of a systemic anti‐inflammatory effect. In the ICV model of STZ, the administration of BioCen‐128 improved cognitive function.

Conclusion

These responses suggested an anti‐neuroinflammatory effect explainable by the action of thymosin β4 and thymosin alfa proteins. The results suggested that BioCen‐128 could be used in the prevention and treatment of some diseases, for example AD, where neuroinflammation is one of the biological events that take place.

Combination of selected Thai traditional pain relief medicinal plants with anti-inflammatory abilities in a protein denaturation assay

Crateva adansonii DC, Maerua siamensis (Kurz) Pax, and Mallotus repandus (Willd.) Müll. Arg. have long been used as ingredients in compound herbal medicines to relieve pain in Thailand. In this study, an albumin denaturation inhibition experiment was used to assess the anti-inflammatory properties of the ethanolic extracts of these plants and their mixture. Lupeol, the active molecule responsible for the anti-inflammatory activity, was chosen as a chemical marker for the extracts. All plant extracts demonstrated anti-inflammatory potential. Their IC50 values ranged from 1.19 to 7.31 mg/mL. This blend showed the strongest anti-inflammatory effect, with a 0.5-fold increase in activity when compared to diclofenac. Lupeol, an anti-inflammatory agent, is one of the chemical constituents of the selected medicinal plants. Its content ranged from 0.04 to 8.60% w/w, as determined by HPLC in this study. It means that the plants, alone and in combination, are a good source of herbs for further pharmacological study and product development.

Anti-Inflammatory Medicinal Plants of Bangladesh—A Pharmacological Evaluation

Inflammatory diseases are considered major threats to human health worldwide. In Bangladesh, a number of medicinal plants have been used in traditional medicine from time immemorial in the treatment of diverse diseases, including inflammatory disorders. This assignment aims at providing the status of the medicinal plants of Bangladesh which are traditionally used in the management of inflammatory disorders and are investigated for their anti-inflammatory prospects using different preclinical studies and future research directions. The information of medicinal plants assembled in this review was obtained from a literature search of electronic databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and ScienceDirect up to December, 2020 from publications on plants investigated for their anti-inflammatory activities, in which the place of plant sample collection was identified as Bangladesh. Keywords for primary searches were “anti-inflammatory,” “Bangladeshi,” and “medicinal plants.” Criteria followed to include plant species were plants that showed significant anti-inflammatory activities in 1) two or more sets of experiments in a single report, 2) same or different sets of experiments in two or more reports, and, 3) plants which are traditionally used in the treatment of inflammation and inflammatory disorders. In this study, 48 species of medicinal plants have been reviewed which have been used in traditional healing practices to manage inflammatory disorders in Bangladesh. The mechanistic pathways of the in vivo and in vitro study models used for the evaluation of anti-inflammatory properties of plant samples have been discussed. Selected plants were described in further detail for their habitat, anti-inflammatory studies conducted in countries other than Bangladesh, and anti-inflammatory active constituents isolated from these plants if any. Medicinal plants of Bangladesh have immense significance for anti-inflammatory activity and have potential to contribute toward the discovery and development of novel therapeutic approaches to combat diseases associated with inflammation. However, the plants reviewed in this article had chiefly undergone preliminary screening and require substantial investigations including identification of active molecules, understanding the mechanism of action, and evaluation for safety and efficacy to be followed by the formulation of safe and effective drug products.

Ethnobotanical Survey on Bitter Tea in Taiwan

Ethnopharmacological evidence: In Taiwan, herbal tea is considered a traditional medicine and has been consumed for hundreds of years. In contrast to regular tea, herbal teas are prepared using plants other than the regular tea plant, Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze. Bitter tea (kǔ-chá), a series of herbal teas prepared in response to common diseases in Taiwan, is often made from local Taiwanese plants. However, the raw materials and formulations have been kept secret and verbally passed down by store owners across generations without a fixed recipe, and the constituent plant materials have not been disclosed.

Aim of the study: The aim was to determine the herbal composition of bitter tea sold in Taiwan, which can facilitate further studies on pharmacological applications and conserve cultural resources.

Materials and methods: Interviews were conducted through a semi-structured questionnaire. The surveyed respondents were traditional sellers of traditional herbal tea. The relevant literature was collated for a systematic analysis of the composition, characteristics, and traditional and modern applications of the plant materials used in bitter tea. We also conducted an association analysis of the composition of Taiwanese bitter tea with green herb tea (qing-cao-cha tea), another commonly consumed herbal tea in Taiwan, as well as herbal teas in neighboring areas outside Taiwan.

Results: After visiting a total of 59 stores, we identified 32 bitter tea formulations and 73 plant materials. Asteraceae was the most commonly used family, and most stores used whole plants. According to a network analysis of nine plant materials used in high frequency as drug pairs, Tithonia diversifolia and Ajuga nipponensis were found to be the core plant materials used in Taiwanese bitter tea.

Conclusion: Plant materials used in Taiwanese bitter tea were distinct, with multiple therapeutic functions. Further research is required to clarify their efficacy and mechanisms.

The role of oviduct-specific glycoprotein (OVGP1) in modulating biological functions of gametes and embryos

Diverse lines of evidence indicate that the mammalian oviduct makes important contributions to the complex process of reproduction other than being simply a conduit for the transport of gametes and embryos. The cumulative synthesis and transport of proteins secreted by oviductal secretory cells into the oviductal lumen create a microenvironment supporting important reproductive events, including sperm capacitation, fertilization, and early embryo development. Among the components that have been identified in the oviductal fluid is a family of glycosylated proteins known collectively as oviduct-specific glycoprotein (OVGP1) or oviductin. OVGP1 has been identified in several mammalian species, including humans. The present review summarizes the work carried out, in various mammalian species, by many research groups revealing the synthesis and secretion of OVGP1, its fate in the female reproductive tract upon secretion by the oviductal epithelium, and its role in modulating biological functions of gametes and embryos. The production and functions of recombinant human OVGP1 and recombinant OVGP1 of other mammalian species are also discussed. Some of the findings obtained with immunocytochemistry will be highlighted in the present review. It is hoped that the findings obtained from recent studies carried out with recombinant OVGP1 from various species will rekindle researchers’ interest in pursuing further the role of the oviductal microenvironment, of which OVGP1 is a major component, in contributing to the successful occurrence of early reproductive events, and the potential use of OVGP1 in improving the current assisted reproductive technology in alleviating infertility.

Recent advances in multifunctional nanomaterials for photothermal-enhanced Fenton-based chemodynamic tumor therapy

Photothermal (PT)-enhanced Fenton-based chemodynamic therapy (CDT) has attracted a significant amount of research attention over the last five years as a highly effective, safe, and tumor-specific nanomedicine-based therapy. CDT is a new emerging nanocatalyst-based therapeutic strategy for the in situ treatment of tumors via the Fenton reaction or Fenton-like reaction, which has got fast progress in recent years because of its high specificity and activation by endogenous substances. A variety of multifunctional nanomaterials such as metal-, metal oxide-, and metal-sulfide-based nanocatalysts have been designed and constructed to trigger the in situ Fenton or Fenton-like reaction within the tumor microenvironment (TME) to generate highly cytotoxic hydroxyl radicals (•OH), which is highly efficient for the killing of tumor cells. However, research is still required to enhance the curative outcomes and minimize its side effects. Specifically, the therapeutic efficiency of certain CDTs is still hindered by the TME, including low levels of endogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), overexpression of reduced glutathione (GSH), and low catalytic efficacy of Fenton or Fenton-like reactions (pH 5.6-6.8), which makes it difficult to completely cure cancer using monotherapy. For this reason, photothermal therapy (PTT) has been utilized in combination with CDT to enhance therapeutic efficacy. More interestingly, tumor heating during PTT not only causes damage to the tumor cells but can also accelerate the generation of •OH via the Fenton and Fenton-like reactions, thus enhancing the CDT efficacy, providing more effective cancer treatment when compared with monotherapy. Currently, synergistic PT-enhanced CDT using multifunctional nanomaterials with both PT and chemodynamic properties has made enormous progress in cancer theranostics. However, there has been no comprehensive review on this subject published to date. In this review, we first summarize the recent progress in PT-enhanced Fenton-based CDT for cancer treatment. We then discuss the potential and challenges in the future development of PT-enhanced Fenton-based nanocatalytic tumor therapy for clinical application.

Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Activities of 7-Chloro-4-(Piperazin-1-yl) Quinoline Derivative Mediated by Suppression of InflammatoryMediators Expression in Both RAW 264.7 and Mouse Models

Background: 4-Aminoquinoline derivatives possess various potential biological properties.The introduction of additional piperazine heterocyclic pharmacophoric moiety tends to haveprofound impact in increasing the activity. The present work was undertaken to investigate thein-vitro and in-vivo anti-inflammatory activity as well as the peripheral and central analgesicactivities of compound 1-(4-(7-chloroquinoline-4-yl)piperazin-1-yl)-2-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)ethanone (5) in experimental models. Methods: The percentage inhibition of the lipopolysaccharide induced NO release of 7-chloro-4-(piperazin-1-yl)quinoline derivatives 1-9 was determined in RAW 264.7 murine macrophagemodel. Western blot analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of compound 5 on proteinexpression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Gene expression of inflammatory markerswas evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The peripheral and central analgesicactivities of compound 5 were evaluated in mice using writhing and hot-plate tests, respectively.Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using carrageenan-induced paw edema assay in miceand serum NO and COX-2 levels were measured. Results: Compound 5 demonstrated the highest NO inhibitory activity that was accompaniedby inhibition of iNOS protein expression and decreased gene expression levels of inflammatorymarkers. It revealed a potential peripheral analgesic effect through inhibition of abdominalwrithing in mice treated with doses of 15 and 30 mg/kg and its effect was comparable to diclofenacsodium. Compound 5 possessed an analgesic activity starting from 15 min post administrationand reached its peak at 45 min which was significantly higher than that of tramadol hydrochloridesuggesting its potential as central analgesic agent. It also showed percentage of inhibition ofedema of 34, 50 and 64% at 1, 2, and 3 h respectively, post carrageenan challenge together with asignificant decrease in serum NO and COX-2 levels. Conclusion: The remarkable anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of compound 5 couldbe attributed to the advantageous introduction of the heterocyclic 7-chloro-4-(piperazin1-yl)quinoline scaffold incorporated with N-phenylpiperzine functional groups linked together withthe ethanone pharmacophoric chain.

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity profile of a new lead compound - LQFM219

LQFM219 is a molecule designed from celecoxibe (COX-2 inhibitor) and darbufelone (inhibitor of COX-2 and 5-LOX) lead compounds through a molecular hybridisation strategy. Therefore, this work aimed to investigate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of this new hybrid compound. The acute oral systemic toxicity of LQFM219 was evaluated via the neutral red uptake assay. Acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing and CFA-induced mechanical hyperalgesia were performed to evaluate the antinociceptive activity, and the anti-oedematogenic activity was studied by CFA-induced paw oedema and croton oil-induced ear oedema. Moreover, the acute anti-inflammatory activity was determined by carrageenan-induced pleurisy. In addition, cell migration, myeloperoxidase enzyme activity, and TNF-α and IL-1β levels were determined in pleural exudate. Moreover, a redox assay was conducted using electroanalytical and DPPH methods. The results demonstrated that LQFM219 was classified as GHS category 4, and it showed better free radical scavenger activity compared to BHT. Besides, LQFM219 decreased the number of writhings induced by acetic acid and the response to the mechanical stimulus in the CFA-induced mechanical hyperalgesia test. Furthermore, LQFM219 reduced oedema formation, cell migration, and IL-1β and TNF-α levels in the pleural cavity and inhibited myeloperoxidase enzyme activity. Thus, our study provides that the new pyrazole derivative, LQFM219, demonstrated low toxicity, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory potential in vitro and in vivo.

An Ethnobotanical Study on Qīng-Căo-Chá Tea in Taiwan

Herbal tea, a beverage prepared from a variety of plant materials excluding the leaves of the tea plant Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze of the family Theaceae, for a long time, has been consumed by most Chinese people for preventive and/or therapeutic health care. Usually, it is brewed or prepared as a decoction of local plants in water. The qīng-căo-chá tea, a commercial herbal tea, is the most common among many differently formulated herbal teas in Taiwan. For hundreds of years, qīng-căo-chá tea has played an important role in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with the environmental conditions in Taiwan. However, research studies in this field have been insufficient. The raw material formulas of qīng-căo-chá tea have always been passed down from “masters” to “apprentices.” Hence, there is no systematic collation or record, and, therefore, there is a need to assess and confirm the composition, safety, and effectiveness of the raw materials. This study aimed to document the uses of Taiwan's qīng-căo-chá tea through a semi-structured interview survey and investigate the background of traditional practitioners, tea compositions, and plant origins and uses. This will improve our understanding of the knowledge inherited by the practitioners and the theoretical basis of the medicinal uses of these teas. In our field investigation, we visited 86 shops and assessed 71 raw ingredients of qīng-căo-chá tea. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to conduct the interviews. During the interviews, in addition to written records, audio and video recordings were made, and photographs were taken with the permission of the interviewees. The qīng-căo-chá raw materials have long been used as herbal teas, although more research should clarify their efficacy and safety. Traditional sellers of qīng-căo-chá tea were mainly males, and most shops have been in operation for more than 71 years. Some of the raw materials were derived from multiple sources, including different plants, and were often mixed without any safety concerns. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic ethnobotanical study on qīng-căo-chá tea that assesses and confirms its herbal ingredients. Our study represents a reference for herbal teas in Taiwan that can be used by the public and regulatory agencies.

Chemical Composition, Toxicity, Antinociceptive, and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Dry Aqueous Extract of Varronia multispicata (Cham.) Borhidi (Cordiaceae) Leaves

Varronia multispicata (Cham.) Borhidi (Cordiaceae), an herbaceous plant distributed in tropical and subtropical regions is native of Brazil and widely used in folk medicine to treat respiratory and digestive diseases, inflammation, and some types of infections. Thus, this study aimed to investigate acute oral toxicity, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory activities of dry aqueous extract of V. multispicata (AEVm) and to identify its compounds. Extract was obtained by lyophilized leaf infusion and its composition was analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Acute oral toxicity was evaluated in female rats treated with AEVm (2,000 mg/kg) in a single oral dose. Mortality, body weight changes, feed and water intake, organ weights, histological and biochemical parameters were screened for 14 days. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated by writhing (WT), formalin (FT), and hot plate (HP) tests in male mice while anti-inflammatory activity was performed by carrageenan (CPE) and dextran (DPE)-induced paw edema tests and carrageenan-induced peritonitis (CP) test in male rats. Additionally, spontaneous open-field (OF) locomotion was evaluated. LC-MS analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids with biological activity. In toxicity evaluation, extract did not cause deaths in dose of 2,000 mg/kg, and there were no significant behavioral or biochemical alterations. Additionally, evidence of hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity was observed. In pharmacological evaluation AEVm showed dose-dependent antinociceptive activity in WT, with a median effective dose of 146.89 mg/kg, which showed selectivity by inflammatory base processes (FT first phase; p < 0.001), showing no activity in neuropathic nociception components (FT second phase and HP) or about consciousness and locomotion in OF. AEVm also showed significant anti-inflammatory activity, inhibiting CPE (p < 0.001) and cell migration (p < 0.05) and nitric oxide (NO) production (p < 0,01) in CP test. These data demonstrate that AEVm has low oral toxicity-with evidence of hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties-antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity, supporting V. multispicata traditional use, possibly related to flavonoids present in its constitution.

Fabrication of an improved amperometric creatinine biosensor based on enzymes nanoparticles bound to Au electrode

An improved amperometric creatinine biosensor was fabricated that dependent on covalent immobilisation of nanoparticles of creatininase (CANPs), creatinase (CINPs) and sarcosine oxidase (SOxNPs) onto gold electrode (AuE). The CANPs/CINPs/SOxNPs/AuE was characterised by scanning electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry at various stages. The working electrode exhibited optimal response within 2 s at a potential of 0.6 V, against Ag/AgCl, pH 6.5 and 30 °C. A linear relationship was observed between creatinine concentration range, 0.1-200μM and biosensor response i.e. current in mA, under optimum conditions. Biosensor offered a low detection limit of 0.1 μM with long storage stability. Analytical recoveries of added creatinine in blood sera at 0.5 mM and at 1.0 mM concentrations, were 92.0% and 79.20% respectively. The precision i.e. within and between-batch coefficients of variation were 2.04% and 3.06% respectively. There was a good correlation (R² = 0.99) between level of creatinine in sera, as calculated by the colorimetric method and present electrode. The CANPs/CINPs/SOxNPs/Au electrode was reused 200 times during the period of 180 days, with just 10% loss in its initial activity, while being stored at 4 °C, when not in use.HighlightsPrepared and characterised creatininase (CA), creatinase (CI) sarcosine oxidase (SOx) nanoparticles and immobilised them onto gold electrode (AuE) for fabrication of an improved amperometric creatinine biosensor.The biosensor displayed a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.1 μM with a linear working range of 0.1 μM-200 μM.The biosensor was evaluated and applied to measure elevated creatinine levels in sera from whom suffering from kidney and muscular disorders.The working electrode retained 90% of its initial activity, while being stored dry at 4 ˚C for 180 days.

Ancient and modern anticonvulsants act synergistically in a KCNQ potassium channel binding pocket

Epilepsy has been treated for centuries with herbal remedies, including leaves of the African shrub Mallotus oppositifolius, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms have remained unclear. Voltage-gated potassium channel isoforms KCNQ2–5, predominantly KCNQ2/3 heteromers, underlie the neuronal M-current, which suppresses neuronal excitability, protecting against seizures. Here, in silico docking, mutagenesis and cellular electrophysiology reveal that two components of M. oppositifolius leaf extract, mallotoxin (MTX) and isovaleric acid (IVA), act synergistically to open neuronal KCNQs, including KCNQ2/3 channels. Correspondingly, MTX and IVA combine to suppress pentylene tetrazole-induced tonic seizures in mice, whereas individually they are ineffective. Co-administering MTX and IVA with the modern, synthetic anticonvulsant retigabine creates a further synergy that voltage independently locks KCNQ2/3 open. Leveraging this synergy, which harnesses ancient and modern medicines to exploit differential KCNQ isoform preferences, presents an approach to developing safe yet effective anticonvulsants.

In some countries, leaves of the shrub Mallotus oppositifolius have been used to treat epilepsy. Here, authors look at the structural and molecular basis for how chemical components of M. oppositifolius have their anticonvulsant effects, via modulation of potassium channel activity.

Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects of Polygonum orientale L. Extracts

Background and Purpose:Polygonum orientale L. (family: Polygonaceae), named Hongcao in China, is a Traditional Chinese Medicinal and has long been used for rheumatic arthralgia and rheumatoid arthritis. However, no pharmacological and mechanism study to confirm these clinic effects have been published. In this investigation, the anti-inflammatory, analgesic effects and representative active ingredient compounds of P. orientale have been studied. Methods: Dried small pieces of the stems and leaves of P. orientale were decocted with water and partitioned successively to obtain ethyl acetate and ethyl ether extract of P. orientale (POEa and POEe). Chemical compositions of them were analyzed by UPLC-Q-Exactive HRMS. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of POEa and POEe were evaluated using xylene induced ear edema, carrageenan induced paw edema, Freunds' complete adjuvant induced arthritis, and formaldehyde induced pain in rat. Their mechanisms of anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects were also studied via assays of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and PGE2 in serum. Results: UPLC-Q-Exactive HRMS analysis showed that POEa and POEe mainly contained flavonoids including orientin, isoorientin, vitexin, luteolin, and quercetin. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory effects of POEa and POEe were evident in xylene induced ear edema. The paw edema in Freund's complete adjuvant and carrageenan were significantly (P < 0.05, 0.01) inhibited by POEa (5, 7.5 g/kg). POEe (7.5 g/kg) was significantly (P < 0.05, 0.01) inhibited Freunds' complete adjuvant induced paw edema and cotton pellet induced granuloma formation. Similarly, POEe significantly (P < 0.05, 0.01) inhibited the pain sensation in acetic acid induced writhing test. POEa (5, 7.5 g/kg) significantly (P < 0.05, 0.01) inhibited formaldehyde induced pain in both phases. POEa (7.5 g/kg) markedly (P < 0.05) prolonged the latency period of hot plate test after 30 and 60 min. The concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and PGE2 were significantly (P < 0.01) decreased by POEa (3.75, 5 g/kg). Conclusion: POEa and POEe have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, which was mainly relevant to the presence of flavonoids, including orientin, isoorientin, vitexin, luteolin, and quercetin. The mechanism of anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of POEa may be to decrease the concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and PGE2 in serum.

Effects of the Ayurved Siriraj Wattana recipe on functional and phenotypic characterization of cytokine-induced killer cells and dendritic cells in vitro

Background

Ayurved Siriraj Wattana recipe (AVS073), has been prescribed as tonic, to increase appetite, and for pain relief. It also exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating and anti-cancer activities. However, the immunomodulatory effects on antigen-presenting cells and effector T cells remained elusive. We thus aimed to study the effects of AVS073 on differentiation, maturation, functions and proportions of CIK cells and monocyte-derived DCs.

Methods

CIK cells and monocyte-derived DCs were treated with AVS073, followed by the assessment of T-helper (Th) phenotypes using real-time RT-PCR and flow cytometry.

Results

AVS073 promoted Th1 phenotype in CD3⁺CD56⁺ subset of CIK cells through increasing STAT4, T-bet, and interferon-γ. AVS073 inhibited Th2 phenotype through decreasing STAT6. AVS073 inhibited Treg phenotype through decreasing STAT5A, STAT5B and IDO. AVS073 promoted Th17 phenotype through increasing STAT3, RORC and IL-17. AVS073 treatment of mDCs resulted in increasing Th1-prone cytokine (IL-12) and Th17-prone cytokines (IL-6 and IL-23).

Conclusions

AVS073 upregulated Th1 and Th17, but downregulated Th2 and Treg phenotypes within CD3⁺CD56⁺ cells. The treatment of mDCs drove Th1 and Th17-polarizations.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12906-016-1480-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Evidence of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Plinia edulis leaf infusion

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Plinia edulis (Vell.) Sobral (Myrtaceae) is native and endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. Popularly known as "cambucá", it has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of stomach disorders, diabetes, bronchitis, inflammation and as tonic. Although there are numerous records concerning its popular use as analgesic and anti-inflammatory, scientific information regarding these pharmacological activities is limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity of P. edulis leaf infusion (AEPe) in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The acetic acid-induced writhing response and mechanical nociceptive paw tests were used to evaluate the antinociceptive activity. Carrageenan-induced paw edema and lipopolysaccharide-induced peritonitis were used to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity. The substances in AEPe were identified by HPLC-MS analysis.

RESULTS

At the test doses 30-300mg/kg p.o., AEPe has clearly exhibited anti-inflammatory effects, reducing carrageenan-induced paw edema and inhibiting leukocyte recruitment into the peritoneal cavity. The infusion has shown significant antinociceptive activity in both models of nociception. Gallic acid, myricitrin, guaijaverin, quercitrin, quercetin, corosolic acid, maslinic acid, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid were identified in AEPe.

CONCLUSION

P. edulis infusion presented antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities in all experiments realized in this study, which could be related to the presence of triterpenoids and flavonoids. These results provide scientific support for the traditional use of this species in the management of pain and inflammation.

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Memora nodosa and allantoin in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The leaves and stems bark of Memora nodosa (Silva Manso) Miers (Bignoniaceae) are used in Brazilian traditional medicine in the treatment of external ulcers and wounds; its roots are used to treat abdominal pain and scabies.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Our aim was to evaluate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of Memora nodosa roots ethanolic extract (EMN) and allantoin, a secondary metabolite isolated from this plant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The EMN and allantoin antinociceptive activity were evaluated in mice using both chemical and heat-induced pain models such as acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin and tail-flick tests. In the formalin test, a pre-treatment with naloxone was used to verify an involvement of opioid receptor in the antinociceptive effect of EMN and allantoin. Pre-treatment with glibenclemide was used to verity an involvement of ATP-sensitive K(+)channel in the allantoin antinociceptive effect. EMN and allantoin anti-inflammatory activity were assessed by carrageenan-induced paw edema and pleurisy tests.

RESULTS

The treatment with EMN (250, 500 and 1000mg/kg, p.o.) inhibit the acetic acid and formalin (both phases)-induced nociception. However, just at doses 500 and 1000mg/kg increased the latency time in tail-flick test. These results suggest the involvement of both peripheral and central antinociceptive mechanisms. The treatment with allantoin (40, 60 and 80mg/kg p.o.) produced a dose-dependent antinociceptive effect in both phases of formalin-induced nociception test; allantoin (60mg/kg) was not able to increase the latency time in tail flick-test. The pre-treatment with naloxone completely reversed the EMN (1000mg/kg) and allantoin (60mg/kg) effect in the first phase of formalin test; and glibenclamide reversed the allantoin effect. The administration of EMN (250, 500 and 1000mg/kg) and allantoin (60mg/kg) showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in the whole carrageenan-induced paw edema. Furthermore, EMN and allantoin reduced the leukocytes migration and pleural exudate to the pleural cavity.

CONCLUSION

EMN have significant antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects, which appear to be, at least in part, due to the presence of allantoin. However, allantoin is not responsible for the EMN central antinociceptive activity. Allantoin has peripheral antinociceptive activity that involves the opioid receptor and ATP-sensitive K(+)channels. Opioid receptors are also involved in the EMN antinociceptive activity. These findings support the use of Memora nodosa in popular medicine and demonstrate that this plant has therapeutic potential for the development of antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory phytomedicines.