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Reddy K, Stafford GI, Makunga NP. Skeletons in the closet? Using a bibliometric lens to visualise phytochemical and pharmacological activities linked to Sceletium, a mood enhancer. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1268101. [PMID: 38576783 PMCID: PMC10991851 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1268101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Plants from the Sceletium genus (Aizoaceae) have been traditionally used for millennia by the Khoe and Khoen people in southern Africa, as an appetite suppressant as well as a mood elevator. In more recent times, this mood-elevating activity has been commercialised in the South African natural products industry for the treatment of anxiety and depression, with several products available both locally and abroad. Research on this species has seen rapid growth with advancements in analytical and pharmacological tools, in an effort to understand the composition and biological activity. The Web of Science (WoS) database was searched for articles related to 'Sceletium' and 'Mesembrine'. These data were additionally analysed by bibliometric software (VOSviewer) to generate term maps and author associations. The thematic areas with the most citations were South African Traditional Medicine for mental health (110) and anxiolytic agents (75). Pioneer studies in the genus focused on chemical structural isolation, purification, and characterisation and techniques such as thin layer chromatography, liquid chromatography (HPLC, UPLC, and more recently, LC-MS), gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to study mesembrine alkaloids. Different laboratories have used a diverse range of extraction and preanalytical methods that became routinely favoured in the analysis of the main metabolites (mesembrine, mesembranol, mesembranone, and Sceletium A4) in their respective experimental settings. In contrast with previous reviews, this paper identified gaps in the research field, being a lack of toxicology assays, a deficit of clinical assessments, too few bioavailability studies, and little to no investigation into the minor alkaloid groups found in Sceletium. Future studies are likely to see innovations in analytical techniques like leaf spray mass spectrometry and direct analysis in real-time ionisation coupled with high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (DART-HR-TOF-MS) for rapid alkaloid identification and quality control purposes. While S. tortuosum has been the primary focus, studying other Sceletium species may aid in establishing chemotaxonomic relationships and addressing challenges with species misidentification. This research can benefit the nutraceutical industry and conservation efforts for the entire genus. At present, little to no pharmacological information is available in terms of the molecular physiological effects of mesembrine alkaloids in medical clinical settings. Research in these fields is expected to increase due to the growing interest in S. tortuosum as a herbal supplement and the potential development of mesembrine alkaloids into pharmaceutical drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaylan Reddy
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Natural Sciences Faculty, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Gary I. Stafford
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Nokwanda P. Makunga
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Natural Sciences Faculty, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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2
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Asgharian P, Quispe C, Herrera-Bravo J, Sabernavaei M, Hosseini K, Forouhandeh H, Ebrahimi T, Sharafi-Badr P, Tarhriz V, Soofiyani SR, Helon P, Rajkovic J, Durna Daştan S, Docea AO, Sharifi-Rad J, Calina D, Koch W, Cho WC. Pharmacological effects and therapeutic potential of natural compounds in neuropsychiatric disorders: An update. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:926607. [PMID: 36188551 PMCID: PMC9521271 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.926607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric diseases are a group of disorders that cause significant morbidity and disability. The symptoms of psychiatric disorders include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and conduct disorder. Various medicinal plants are frequently used as therapeutics in traditional medicine in different parts of the world. Nowadays, using medicinal plants as an alternative medication has been considered due to their biological safety. Despite the wide range of medications, many patients are unable to tolerate the side effects and eventually lose their response. By considering the therapeutic advantages of medicinal plants in the case of side effects, patients may prefer to use them instead of chemical drugs. Today, the use of medicinal plants in traditional medicine is diverse and increasing, and these plants are a precious heritage for humanity. Investigation about traditional medicine continues, and several studies have indicated the basic pharmacology and clinical efficacy of herbal medicine. In this article, we discuss five of the most important and common psychiatric illnesses investigated in various studies along with conventional therapies and their pharmacological therapies. For this comprehensive review, data were obtained from electronic databases such as MedLine/PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, EMBASE, DynaMed Plus, ScienceDirect, and TRIP database. Preclinical pharmacology studies have confirmed that some bioactive compounds may have beneficial therapeutic effects in some common psychiatric disorders. The mechanisms of action of the analyzed biocompounds are presented in detail. The bioactive compounds analyzed in this review are promising phytochemicals for adjuvant and complementary drug candidates in the pharmacotherapy of neuropsychiatric diseases. Although comparative studies have been carefully reviewed in the preclinical pharmacology field, no clinical studies have been found to confirm the efficacy of herbal medicines compared to FDA-approved medicines for the treatment of mental disorders. Therefore, future clinical studies are needed to accelerate the potential use of natural compounds in the management of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parina Asgharian
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Cristina Quispe
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique, Chile
| | - Jesús Herrera-Bravo
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Santo Tomas, Santo Tomas, Chile
- Center of Molecular Biology and Pharmacogenetics, Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Mahsa Sabernavaei
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kamran Hosseini
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Haleh Forouhandeh
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Tahereh Ebrahimi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Paria Sharafi-Badr
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahideh Tarhriz
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Saiedeh Razi Soofiyani
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Clinical Research Development Unit of Sina Educational, Research and Treatment Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Paweł Helon
- Branch in Sandomierz, Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce, Sandomierz, Poland
| | - Jovana Rajkovic
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sevgi Durna Daştan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
- Beekeeping Development Application and Research Center, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Anca Oana Docea
- Department of Toxicology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | | | - Daniela Calina
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Wojciech Koch
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - William C. Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
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3
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Luo Y, Shan L, Xu L, Patnala S, Kanfer I, Li J, Yu P, Jun X. A network pharmacology-based approach to explore the therapeutic potential of Sceletium tortuosum in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273583. [PMID: 36006974 PMCID: PMC9409587 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sceletium tortuosum (SCT) has been utilized medicinally by indigenous Koi-San people purportedly for mood elevation. SCT extracts are reported to be neuroprotective and have efficacy in improving cognition. However, it is still unclear which of the pharmacological mechanisms of SCT contribute to the therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative disorders. Hence, this study investigated two aspects–firstly, the abilities of neuroprotective sub-fractions from SCT on scavenging radicals, inhibiting some usual targets relevant to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or Parkinson’s disease (PD), and secondly utilizing the network pharmacology related methods to search probable mechanisms using Surflex-Dock program to show the key targets and corresponding SCT constituents. The results indicated sub-fractions from SCT could scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE), monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR). Furthermore, the results of gene ontology and docking analyses indicated the key targets involved in the probable treatment of AD or PD might be AChE, MAO-B, NMDAR subunit2B (GluN2B-NMDAR), adenosine A2A receptor and cannabinoid receptor 2, and the corresponding constituents in Sceletium tortuosum might be N-trans-feruloyl-3-methyldopamine, dihydrojoubertiamine and other mesembrine type alkaloids. In summary, this study has provided new evidence for the therapeutic potential of SCT in the treatment of AD or PD, as well as the key targets and notable constituents in SCT. Therefore, we propose SCT could be a natural chemical resource for lead compounds in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangwen Luo
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Luchen Shan
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lipeng Xu
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Srinivas Patnala
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
| | - Isadore Kanfer
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
| | - Jiahao Li
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pei Yu
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- * E-mail: (PY); (JX)
| | - Xu Jun
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- * E-mail: (PY); (JX)
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Reddy K, Stander MA, Stafford GI, Makunga NP. Mass Spectrometry Metabolomics and Feature-Based Molecular Networking Reveals Population-Specific Chemistry in Some Species of the Sceletium Genus. Front Nutr 2022; 9:819753. [PMID: 35425789 PMCID: PMC9001948 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.819753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The Sceletium genus has been of medicinal importance in southern Africa for millennia and Sceletium tortuosum (Aizoaceae), one of eight species in the genus has gained pharmaceutical importance as an anxiolytic and anti-depressant due to the presence of mesembrine alkaloids. S. tortuosum is used for the manufacture of herbal teas, dietary supplements and other phytopharmaceutical products. This study aimed to provide a metabolomic characterization of S. tortuosum and its sister species as these are not easy to distinguish using morphology alone. Plant samples were thus collected from various locations in the succulent Karoo (South Africa) and analyzed through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), using MSE fragmentation as a putative tool for chemical identities. Metabolomics-based analyses in combination with molecular networking were able to distinguish between the four species of Sceletium based on the presence of 4-(3,4-dimethyoxyphenyl)-4-[2-acetylmethlamino)ethyl]cyclohexanone (m/z 334.2020; RT 6.60 min), mesembrine (m/z 290.1757; RT 5.10 min) and 4'-O-demethylmesembrenol (m/z 276.1597; RT 4.17 min). Metabolomic profiles varied according to the different localities and metabolites occurred at variable quantitative levels in Sceletium ecotypes. Molecular networking provided the added advantage of being able to observe mesembrine alkaloid isomers and coeluting metabolites (from the joubertiamine group) that were difficult to discern without this application. By combining high-throughput metabolomics together with global and feature based-molecular networking, a powerful metabolite profiling platform that is able to discern chemical patterns within and between populations was established. These techniques were able to reveal chemotaxonomic relationships and allowed for the discovery of chemical markers that may be used as part of monitoring protocols during the manufacture of phytopharmaceutical and dietary products based on Sceletium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaylan Reddy
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Marietjie A. Stander
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Gary I. Stafford
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Nokwanda P. Makunga
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- *Correspondence: Nokwanda P. Makunga
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Sarris J, Marx W, Ashton MM, Ng CH, Galvao-Coelho N, Ayati Z, Zhang ZJ, Kasper S, Ravindran A, Harvey BH, Lopresti A, Mischoulon D, Amsterdam J, Yatham LN, Berk M. Plant-based Medicines (Phytoceuticals) in the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders: A Meta-review of Meta-analyses of Randomized Controlled Trials: Les médicaments à base de plantes (phytoceutiques) dans le traitement des troubles psychiatriques: une méta-revue des méta-analyses d'essais randomisés contrôlés. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2021; 66:849-862. [PMID: 33596697 PMCID: PMC8573706 DOI: 10.1177/0706743720979917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Plant-based medicines have had a long-standing history of use in psychiatric disorders. Highly quantified and standardized extracts or isolates may be termed "phytoceuticals," in a similar way that medicinal nutrients are termed as "nutraceuticals." Over the past 2 decades, several meta-analyses have examined the data for a range of plant-based medicines in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. The aim of this international project is to provide a "meta-review" of this top-tier evidence. METHODS We identified, synthesized, and appraised all available up to date meta-analyses... of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting on the efficacy and effectiveness of individual phytoceuticals across all major psychiatric disorders. RESULTS Our systematic search identified 9 relevant meta-analyses of RCTs, with primary analyses including outcome data from 5,927 individuals. Supportive meta-analytic evidence was found for St John's wort for major depressive disorder (MDD); curcumin and saffron for MDD or depression symptoms, and ginkgo for total and negative symptoms in schizophrenia. Kava was not effective in treating diagnosed anxiety disorders. We also provide details on 22 traditional Chinese herbal medicine formulas' meta-analyses (primarily for depression studies), all of which revealed highly significant and large effect sizes. Their methodology, reporting, and potential publication bias were, however, of marked concern. The same caveat was noted for the curcumin, ginkgo, and saffron meta-analyses, which may also have significant publication bias. CONCLUSIONS More rigorous international studies are required to validate the efficacy of these phytoceuticals before treatment recommendations can be made. In conclusion, the breadth of data tentatively supports several phytoceuticals which may be effective for mental disorders alongside pharmaceutical, psychological therapies, and standard lifestyle recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome Sarris
- Western Sydney University, NICM Health Research Institute, Westmead, Australia.,The Professorial Unit, The Melbourne Clinic; Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Wolfgang Marx
- Deakin University, IMPACT-the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Melanie M Ashton
- Deakin University, IMPACT-the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Chee H Ng
- The Professorial Unit, The Melbourne Clinic; Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nicole Galvao-Coelho
- Western Sydney University, NICM Health Research Institute, Westmead, Australia.,Postgraduate Program in Psychobiology and Department of Physiology and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology in Translational Medicine, Brazil
| | - Zahra Ayati
- Western Sydney University, NICM Health Research Institute, Westmead, Australia.,Division of Psychology and Mental Health, Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zhang-Jin Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital (HKU-SZH), Shenzhen, China
| | - Siegfried Kasper
- Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse, Wien, Austria
| | - Arun Ravindran
- University of Toronto and Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brian H Harvey
- Division of Pharmacology, Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, North West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Adrian Lopresti
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia.,Clinical Research Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - David Mischoulon
- Depression Clinical and Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jay Amsterdam
- Depression Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Michael Berk
- Deakin University, IMPACT-the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia.,Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Centre for Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia.,Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health and the Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Manganyi MC, Bezuidenhout CC, Regnier T, Ateba CN. A Chewable Cure "Kanna": Biological and Pharmaceutical Properties of Sceletium tortuosum. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26092557. [PMID: 33924742 PMCID: PMC8124331 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26092557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sceletium tortuosum (L.) N.E.Br. (Mesembryanthemaceae), commonly known as kanna or kougoed, is an effective indigenous medicinal plant in South Africa, specifically to the native San and Khoikhoi tribes. Today, the plant has gained strong global attraction and reputation due to its capabilities to promote a sense of well-being by relieving stress with calming effects. Historically, the plant was used by native San hunter-gatherers and Khoi people to quench their thirst, fight fatigue and for healing, social, and spiritual purposes. Various studies have revealed that extracts of the plant have numerous biological properties and isolated alkaloids of Sceletium tortuosum are currently being used as dietary supplements for medicinal purposes and food. Furthermore, current research has focused on the commercialization of the plant because of its treatment in clinical anxiety and depression, psychological and psychiatric disorders, improving mood, promoting relaxation and happiness. In addition, several studies have focused on the isolation and characterization of various beneficial bioactive compounds including alkaloids from the Sceletium tortuosum plant. Sceletium was reviewed more than a decade ago and new evidence has been published since 2008, substantiating an update on this South African botanical asset. Thus, this review provides an extensive overview of the biological and pharmaceutical properties of Sceletium tortuosum as well as the bioactive compounds with an emphasis on antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antidepressant, anxiolytic, and other significant biological effects. There is a need to critically evaluate the bioactivities and responsible bioactive compounds, which might assist in reinforcing and confirming the significant role of kanna in the promotion of healthy well-being in these stressful times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madira Coutlyne Manganyi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, PBX1, Mthatha 5117, South Africa
- Correspondence:
| | - Cornelius Carlos Bezuidenhout
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa;
| | - Thierry Regnier
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0001, South Africa;
| | - Collins Njie Ateba
- Food Security and Safety Niche Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, Mafikeng 2735, South Africa;
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Bakr RO, El-Behairy MF, Elissawy AM, Elimam H, Fayed MAA. New Adenosine Derivatives from Aizoon canariense L.: In Vitro Anticholinesterase, Antimicrobial, and Cytotoxic Evaluation of Its Extracts. Molecules 2021; 26:1198. [PMID: 33668096 PMCID: PMC7956659 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26051198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Aizoaceae is a large succulent family characterized by many psychoactive species. Aizoon canariense L., a wild neglected plant traditionally used in gastrointestinal ailments, has been the subject of a limited number of phytochemical and biological studies. Therefore, herein, we investigated the in vitro cytotoxic, antimicrobial, and anticholinesteraseactivity of the aerial parts of A. canariense L. and analyzed the phytochemical compositions of the lipoidal and alkaloidal fractions. Petroleum ether extract showed the presence of behenic and tricosylic acid, while an in-depth investigation of the alkaloidal fraction revealed the identification of new adenine based alkaloids (1-5), which were isolated and identified for the first time from Aizoon canariense L. Their structures were elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic analyses. The alkaloidal extract showed a powerful cytotoxic effect (IC50 14-28 μg/mL), with the best effect against colon carcinoma, followed by liver and breast carcinomas. The alkaloidal extract also had a potent effect against Candida albicans and Escherichia coli, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) values of 312.5 and 625 µg/mL. The in vitro anticholinesterase activity was potent, with IC50 < 200 ng/mL for the tested extracts compared with 27.29 ± 0.49 ng/mL for tacrine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riham O. Bakr
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA), Giza 11787, Egypt;
| | - Mohammed F. El-Behairy
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City, Sadat 32897, Egypt;
| | - Ahmed M. Elissawy
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt;
- Center for Drug Discovery Research and Development, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Hanan Elimam
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City, Sadat 32897, Egypt;
| | - Marwa A. A. Fayed
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City, Sadat 32897, Egypt
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Jędrejko K, Lazur J, Muszyńska B. Risk Associated with the Use of Selected Ingredients in Food Supplements. Chem Biodivers 2021; 18:e2000686. [PMID: 33410585 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202000686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
This review focuses on four new product categories of food supplements: pre-workout, fat burner/thermogenic, brain/cognitive booster, and hormone/testosterone booster. Many food supplements have been shown to be contaminated with unauthorized substances. In some cases, the ingredients in the new categories of dietary supplements were medicinal products or new synthetic compounds added without performing clinical trials. Some of the new ingredients in dietary supplements are plant materials that are registered in the pharmacopoeia as herbal medicines. In other cases, dietary supplements may contain plant materials that have no history of human use and are often used as materials to 'camouflage' stimulants. In the European Union, new ingredients of dietary supplements, according to European Food Safety Authority or unauthorized novel food. Furthermore, selected ingredients in dietary supplements may be prohibited in sports and are recognized as doping agents by World Anti-Doping Agency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol Jędrejko
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Medyczna 9 Street, PL, 30-688, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jan Lazur
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Medyczna 9 Street, PL, 30-688, Kraków, Poland
| | - Bożena Muszyńska
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Medyczna 9 Street, PL, 30-688, Kraków, Poland
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Brendler T, Brinckmann JA, Feiter U, Gericke N, Lang L, Pozharitskaya ON, Shikov AN, Smith M, van Wyk BE. Sceletium for Managing Anxiety, Depression and Cognitive Impairment: A Traditional Herbal Medicine in Modern-Day Regulatory Systems. Curr Neuropharmacol 2021; 19:1384-1400. [PMID: 33588735 PMCID: PMC8762184 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666210215124737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Modern-day regulatory systems governing conditions for how health products enter national markets constitute a barrier of access for traditional herbal medicines on an international level. Regulatory intentions are focused on ensuring that consumers are being provided with safe, efficacious and high-quality products that, however, collaterally limit opportunities for traditional herbal medicinal products, especially those that do not already have a long-standing tradition of use established in the respective national marketplaces. This case study investigates and compares how a Southern African herbal medicine with great potential as an anxiolytic and mild antidepressant - Mesembryanthemum tortuosum L. [syn. Sceletium tortuosum (L.) N.E.Br.] aerial parts - fares internationally in today's regulatory environments. It is argued that inadvertent regulatory favoritism combined with the lack of means for adequate protection of intellectual property may obstruct innovation by creating an almost insurmountable economical hurdle for successful product development and introduction of botanicals from developing countries into most of the world's health product markets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Brendler
- Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Botany and Plant Biotechnology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa; Tel: +1-240-727-4024; E-mail:
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10
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Reay J, Wetherell MA, Morton E, Lillis J, Badmaev V. Sceletium tortuosum (Zembrin ® ) ameliorates experimentally induced anxiety in healthy volunteers. Hum Psychopharmacol 2020; 35:1-7. [PMID: 32761980 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the anxiolytic properties of a standardized extract of Sceletium tortuosum (trademarked-Zembrin® ). METHODS Two studies utilized a placebo-controlled, double-blind, between-subject experimental design to investigate the effects of a single dose of Sceletium tortuosum (25 mg, Zembrin® ) on laboratory stress/anxiety responding in 20 young healthy volunteers. To elicit feelings of stress/anxiety, participants completed 20 min of the multitasking framework in study 1 and a 5-min simulated public speaking task in study 2. Study 1 measured subjective experiences of mood at baseline, prestress induction, and poststress induction. Study 2 measured subjective experiences of anxiety and physiological indicators of stress (heart rate [HR] and galvanic skin response) at baseline, prestress induction, during stress induction, and poststress induction. RESULTS A series of analysis of covariances (baseline entered as the covariate) revealed no treatment effect in study 1; however, study 2 revealed subjective anxiety levels to be significantly lower in the Zembrin® group at the prestress induction point and a significant interaction between treatment and time on HR. Taken together, results indicate that a single dose of Zembrin® can ameliorate laboratory stress/anxiety responding in healthy volunteers. CONCLUSION We provide the first tentative behavioral evidence to support the anxiolytic properties of Sceletium tortuosum (25 mg Zembrin® ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathon Reay
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Humanities & Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Mark A Wetherell
- Department of Psychology, Stress Research Group, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Emma Morton
- Department of Psychology, Stress Research Group, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - James Lillis
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Humanities & Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
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Pharmacology of Herbal Sexual Enhancers: A Review of Psychiatric and Neurological Adverse Effects. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13100309. [PMID: 33066617 PMCID: PMC7602496 DOI: 10.3390/ph13100309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual enhancers increase sexual potency, sexual pleasure, or libido. Substances increasing libido alter the concentrations of specific neurotransmitters or sex hormones in the central nervous system. Interestingly, the same pathways are involved in the mechanisms underlying many psychiatric and neurological disorders, and adverse reactions associated with the use of aphrodisiacs are strongly expected. However, sexual enhancers of plant origin have gained popularity over recent years, as natural substances are often regarded as a safer alternative to modern medications and are easily acquired without prescription. We reviewed the psychiatric and neurological adverse effects associated with the consumption of herbal aphrodisiacs Areca catechu L., Argemone Mexicana L., Citrus aurantium L., Eurycoma longifolia Jack., Lepidium meyenii Walp., Mitragyna speciosa Korth., Panax ginseng C. A. Mey, Panax quinquefolius L., Pausinystalia johimbe (K. Schum.) Pierre ex Beille, Piper methysticum G. Forst., Ptychopetalum olacoides Benth., Sceletium tortuosum (L.) N. E. Brown, Turnera diffusa Willd. ex. Schult., Voacanga africana Stapf ex Scott-Elliot, and Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal. A literature search was conducted on the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases with the aim of identifying all the relevant articles published on the issue up to June 2020. Most of the selected sexual enhancers appeared to be safe at therapeutic doses, although mild to severe adverse effects may occur in cases of overdosing or self-medication with unstandardized products. Drug interactions are more concerning, considering that herbal aphrodisiacs are likely used together with other plant extracts and/or pharmaceuticals. However, few data are available on the side effects of several plants included in this review, and more clinical studies with controlled administrations should be conducted to address this issue.
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Szechtman H, Harvey BH, Woody EZ, Hoffman KL. The Psychopharmacology of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Preclinical Roadmap. Pharmacol Rev 2020; 72:80-151. [PMID: 31826934 DOI: 10.1124/pr.119.017772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This review evaluates current knowledge about obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), with the goal of providing a roadmap for future directions in research on the psychopharmacology of the disorder. It first addresses issues in the description and diagnosis of OCD, including the structure, measurement, and appropriate description of the disorder and issues of differential diagnosis. Current pharmacotherapies for OCD are then reviewed, including monotherapy with serotonin reuptake inhibitors and augmentation with antipsychotic medication and with psychologic treatment. Neuromodulatory therapies for OCD are also described, including psychosurgery, deep brain stimulation, and noninvasive brain stimulation. Psychotherapies for OCD are then reviewed, focusing on behavior therapy, including exposure and response prevention and cognitive therapy, and the efficacy of these interventions is discussed, touching on issues such as the timing of sessions, the adjunctive role of pharmacotherapy, and the underlying mechanisms. Next, current research on the neurobiology of OCD is examined, including work probing the role of various neurotransmitters and other endogenous processes and etiology as clues to the neurobiological fault that may underlie OCD. A new perspective on preclinical research is advanced, using the Research Domain Criteria to propose an adaptationist viewpoint that regards OCD as the dysfunction of a normal motivational system. A systems-design approach introduces the security motivation system (SMS) theory of OCD as a framework for research. Finally, a new perspective on psychopharmacological research for OCD is advanced, exploring three approaches: boosting infrastructure facilities of the brain, facilitating psychotherapeutic relearning, and targeting specific pathways of the SMS network to fix deficient SMS shut-down processes. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: A significant proportion of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) do not achieve remission with current treatments, indicating the need for innovations in psychopharmacology for the disorder. OCD may be conceptualized as the dysfunction of a normal, special motivation system that evolved to manage the prospect of potential danger. This perspective, together with a wide-ranging review of the literature, suggests novel directions for psychopharmacological research, including boosting support systems of the brain, facilitating relearning that occurs in psychotherapy, and targeting specific pathways in the brain that provide deficient stopping processes in OCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Szechtman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (H.S.); SAMRC Unit on Risk Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, and Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus), Potchefstroom, South Africa (B.H.H.); Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada (E.Z.W.); and Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, CINVESTAV-Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, Mexico (K.L.H.)
| | - Brian H Harvey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (H.S.); SAMRC Unit on Risk Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, and Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus), Potchefstroom, South Africa (B.H.H.); Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada (E.Z.W.); and Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, CINVESTAV-Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, Mexico (K.L.H.)
| | - Erik Z Woody
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (H.S.); SAMRC Unit on Risk Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, and Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus), Potchefstroom, South Africa (B.H.H.); Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada (E.Z.W.); and Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, CINVESTAV-Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, Mexico (K.L.H.)
| | - Kurt Leroy Hoffman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (H.S.); SAMRC Unit on Risk Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, and Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus), Potchefstroom, South Africa (B.H.H.); Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada (E.Z.W.); and Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, CINVESTAV-Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, Mexico (K.L.H.)
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Anderson JR, Maki KC, Palacios OM, Edirisinghe I, Burton-Freeman B, Spitznagel MB. Varying roles of glucoregulatory function measures in postprandial cognition following milk consumption. Eur J Nutr 2020; 60:1499-1510. [PMID: 32737613 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-020-02343-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Past work suggests milk consumption may facilitate cognition in children and college students with higher fasting glucose compared to other beverages (e.g., fruit juice). However, no studies have evaluated this phenomenon in adults, or considered other measures of glucoregulatory function. This open-label study assessed the role of glucoregulatory function in postprandial cognition after milk intake in adults. We hypothesized participants with lower fasting or post-consumption plasma glucose following a glucose excursion challenge (glucose response) would demonstrate better cognition following beverages of higher (juice) versus lower (milk) or no (water) glycemic content. METHODS Forty-four nondiabetic, overnight-fasted adults attended three laboratory visits, ingesting 237 mL of 2% fat milk, apple juice, or water at each visit in a randomized, counterbalanced, crossover design. Participants completed cognitive testing (CNS Vital Signs) at baseline and 30, 90, and 150 min post-ingestion; primary outcomes were CNS Vital Signs composite scores. Fasting and post-consumption plasma glucose levels were assessed, with glucose response indexed as the change in plasma glucose from baseline to 30 min after juice (ΔGlucose). RESULTS Mixed modeling revealed participants with higher fasting glucose demonstrated better complex attention after water versus juice at 30 min, but better performance after juice versus water at 150 min (p = 0.02). Participants with a larger ΔGlucose demonstrated better processing speed (p = 0.01) 30 min after milk versus water; this effect also reversed at 150 min. CONCLUSION Different methods of measuring glucoregulatory function reveal its differing roles in postprandial cognition. Time since ingestion may also determine which beverages best optimize cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason R Anderson
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kent State University, 600 Hilltop Drive, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
| | - Kevin C Maki
- Midwest Biomedical Research, Addison, IL, 60640, USA
| | | | - Indika Edirisinghe
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, 60616, USA
| | - Britt Burton-Freeman
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, 60616, USA
| | - Mary Beth Spitznagel
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kent State University, 600 Hilltop Drive, Kent, OH, 44240, USA.
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Hoffman JR, Markus I, Dubnov-Raz G, Gepner Y. Ergogenic Effects of 8 Days of Sceletium Tortuosum Supplementation on Mood, Visual Tracking, and Reaction in Recreationally Trained Men and Women. J Strength Cond Res 2020; 34:2476-2481. [DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000003693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Baillie GS, Tejeda GS, Kelly MP. Therapeutic targeting of 3',5'-cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases: inhibition and beyond. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2019; 18:770-796. [PMID: 31388135 PMCID: PMC6773486 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-019-0033-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Phosphodiesterases (PDEs), enzymes that degrade 3',5'-cyclic nucleotides, are being pursued as therapeutic targets for several diseases, including those affecting the nervous system, the cardiovascular system, fertility, immunity, cancer and metabolism. Clinical development programmes have focused exclusively on catalytic inhibition, which continues to be a strong focus of ongoing drug discovery efforts. However, emerging evidence supports novel strategies to therapeutically target PDE function, including enhancing catalytic activity, normalizing altered compartmentalization and modulating post-translational modifications, as well as the potential use of PDEs as disease biomarkers. Importantly, a more refined appreciation of the intramolecular mechanisms regulating PDE function and trafficking is emerging, making these pioneering drug discovery efforts tractable.
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Affiliation(s)
- George S Baillie
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Science, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Gonzalo S Tejeda
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Science, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Michy P Kelly
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA.
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Krstenansky JL. Mesembrine alkaloids: Review of their occurrence, chemistry, and pharmacology. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2017; 195:10-19. [PMID: 27939420 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Revised: 11/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Mesembrine alkaloids are considered to be the primary active constituents of the South African medicinal plant Sceletium tortuosum (L.) N.E.Br. (Aizoaceae), and it is used as the dried or fermented aerial material from the plant, which is known as kanna (aka, channa, kougoed). Traditional regional use ranged from relieving thirst, mild analgesia, and alteration of mood. Current interest has focused primarily on the antidepressant action of preparations based on the plant and commercialization is expanding the recognition and availability of these preparations. MATERIALS AND METHODS Searches for the keywords "Sceletium or mesembrine" were performed in "PubMed-NCBI", "Chemical Abstracts SciFinder" and "Thomson Reuters Web of Science" databases in addition to the inclusion of references cited within prior reviews and scientific reports. Additionally the "SciFinder" database was searched using 3a-phenyl-cis-octahydroindole in the SciFinder Substructure Module (SSM). Plant taxonomy was validated by the database "The Plant List". RESULTS This review focuses on the chemistry, analysis, and pharmacology of the mesembrine alkaloids. Despite a long history of medicinal used and research investigation, there has been a renewed interest in the pharmacological properties of the mesembrine alkaloids and much of the pharmacology has only recently been published. The two major active alkaloids mesembrine and mesembrenone are still in the process of being more fully characterized pharmacologically. They are serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which provides a rationale for the plant's traditional use as an antidepressant, but other actions are beginning to appear in the literature. Additionally, mesembrenone has reasonably potent PDE4 inhibitory activity. This review intends to provide an overview of the available literature, summarize the current findings, and put them in perspective with earlier studies and reviews.
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Dimpfel W, Schombert L, Gericke N. Electropharmacogram of Sceletium tortuosum extract based on spectral local field power in conscious freely moving rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2016; 177:140-147. [PMID: 26608705 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.11.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Revised: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The endemic succulent South African plant, Sceletium tortuosum (L.) N.E. Br. (synonym Mesembryanthemum tortuosum L.), of the family Mesembryathemaceae, has an ancient oral tradition history of use by San and Khoikhoi people as an integral part of the indigenous culture and materia medica. A special standardized extract of Sceletium tortuosum (Zembrin®) has been developed and tested pre-clinically in rats, and clinically in healthy subjects. AIM OF THE STUDY The present investigation aimed at the construction of electropharmacograms of Zembrin® in the presence of three dosages (2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 mg/kg), and comparative electropharmacograms and discriminatory analyses for other herbal extracts, citicoline and rolipram. MATERIAL AND METHODS Seventeen adult Fischer rats were each implanted with a set consisting of four bipolar concentric steel electrodes fixed by dental cement and three screws driven into the scalp. After two weeks of recovery from surgery the animals were adapted to oral administration by gavage and to experimental conditions (45 min pre-drug period and 5h of recording after a rest of 5 min for calming down). Data were transmitted wirelessly and processed using a Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT). Spectral power was evaluated for 8 frequency ranges, namely delta, theta, alpha1, alpha2, beta1a, beta1b, beta2 and gamma power. RESULTS Zembrin® dose dependently attenuated all frequency ranges, to varying degrees. The most prominent was the statistically significant reduction in alpha2 and beta1a waves, correlated with activation of the dopaminergic and glutamatergic transmitter systems respectively. This feature is common to all synthetic and herbal stimulants tested to date. The second strongest effects were reduction in both the delta and the theta frequency ranges, correlated with changes in the cholinergic and norepinephrine systems respectively, a pattern seen in preparations prescribed for neurodegenerative diseases. Theta wave reduction in common with the delta, alpha2 and beta1 attenuation has been noted for analgesic drugs. Attenuation of alpha1 waves emerged during the highest dosage in all brain areas, a feature seen in all antidepressants. DISCUSSION The electropharmacogram of Zembrin® was compared to the electropharmacograms of herbal extracts archived in our database. Extracts of Oenothera biennis and Cimicifuga racemosa gave a very similar electropharmacograms to that of Zembrin®, and extracts of Ginkgo biloba and Rhodiola rosea gave rather similar electropharmacograms to Zembrin®. Linear discriminant analysis confirmed these similarities and demonstrated that all three dosages of Zembrin® plotted in close neighbourhood to each other. Citocoline, a synthetic compound originally developed for cognitive enhancement, had a similar electropharmacogram to Zembrin®. Similarity to the electropharmacograms of the synthetic phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, rolipram, suggests Zembrin® has antidepressant and cognitive function enhancing potential. CONCLUSION The combined results from the electropharmacograms and comparative discriminatory analyses suggest that Zembrin® has dose dependent activity, with potential applications as a cognitive function enhancer, as an antidepressant, and as an analgesic.
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Dimpfel W, Gericke N, Suliman S, Chiegoua Dipah GN. Psychophysiological Effects of Zembrin<sup>®</sup>Using Quantitative EEG Source Density in Combination with Eye-Tracking in 60 Healthy Subjects. A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, 3-Armed Study with Parallel Design. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.4236/nm.2016.73013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Van Wyk BE. A review of commercially important African medicinal plants. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2015; 176:118-34. [PMID: 26498493 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Revised: 10/11/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Data on the relative importance and research status of commercially relevant African medicinal plants are needed for developing new research strategies in order to stimulate much-needed ethnopharmacological research and to promote the commercialization of African plants. AIM OF THE STUDY To present an illustrated bird's eye view and comparative analysis of the relative popularity and importance of commercialized African medicinal plants. A comparison is made between the general popularity and commercial importance of the species (as indicated by their footprint on the World Wide Web) and their scientific popularity and importance (as indicated by the number of research publications). The inventory and review is strongly focussed to cover all or most of the medicinal plant raw materials in the international trade that are exported from African countries, with less emphasis on those that are regularly traded on local and regional markets within Africa. MATERIALS AND METHODS The review is based on literature data, Scopus and Google searches, commercial information and the author's own experience and observations. RESULTS More than 5400 plant species are used in traditional medicine in Africa, of which less than 10% have been commercially developed to some extent. Africa is home to more than 80 valuable commercial species that are regularly traded on international markets, including phytomedicines (e.g. Harpagophytum procumbens and Pelargonium sidoides), functional foods (e.g. Adansonia digitata and Hibiscus sabdariffa) and sources of pure chemical entities (e.g. caffeine from Coffea arabica and yohimbine from Pausinystalia johimbe). According to the Scopus results, about 60% of all recent publications on African medicinal plants appeared in the last decade, with an average of 280 papers (28 per year) for 85 prominent species of international trade. The most popular African species for research (number of publications in brackets) were: Ricinus communis (5187), Aloe vera (2832), Catharanthus roseus (2653), Sesamum indicum (2534), Strophanthus gratus (2514), Coffea arabica (2431), Citrullus lanatus (2215), Momordica charantia (2047), Withania somnifera (1767), Trigonella foenum-graecum (1687), Acacia senegal (1373), Centella asiatica (1355), Griffonia simplicifolia (1010), Hibiscus sabdariffa (987), Tamarindus indica (973) and Catha edulis (947). The top species in terms of recent research interest (% of publications in last decade) were: Hoodia gordonii (95%), Cyclopia genistoides (93%), Sceletium tortuosum (90%), Agathosma betulina (89%), Pelargonium sidoides (86%), Boswellia papyrifera (85%), Lessertia (Sutherlandia) frutescens (84%), Boswellia sacra (83%), Mondia whitei (81%), Hibiscus sabdariffa (80%), Hypoxis hemerocallidea (80%) and Tylosema esculentum (80%). Both lists reflect the recent interest in functional foods and dietary supplements. CONCLUSION Despite a marked recent increase in the number of publications on indigenous medicinal plants and dietary supplements, Africa lags behind Europe and Asia in terms of the number of products that have been commercialised and the percentage of the flora that is utilized for international trade. There is a tremendous potential for developing new crops and new products but much work remains to be done to generate more focussed and relevant pre-clinical data and convincing proof of concept through clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- B-E Van Wyk
- Department of Botany and Plant Biotechnology, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa.
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