Preventive Potential of the Aqueous Extract of the Mixture of Bidens pilosa (Asteraceae) and Cymbopogon citratus (Poaceae) Aerial Parts on Hypertension Induced by a Chronic Salt and Alcohol Consumption on the Rats

Acute and Subchronic Toxicity Studies on the Aqueous Extract of the Plant Mixture (Bidens pilosa and Cymbopogon citratus Aerial Parts) in Rat Model

Bidens pilosa (B. pilosa) and Cymbopogon citratus (C. citratus) are plants used individually or in combination in the traditional treatment of several ailments such as cardiovascular disorders. In order to valorise their traditional use, a toxicological study was conducted on the aqueous extract of the mixture of aerial parts of B. pilosa and C. citratus. The acute and subchronic toxicity studies were conducted according to the OECD 425 and 407 guidelines. Regarding the acute study, the aqueous extract of the mixture of B. pilosa and C. citratus 50 : 50 (2000 and 5000 mg/kg) was administered once to rats of both sexes. In the subchronic study, the aqueous extract of the mixture of B. pilosa and C. citratus (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg) was administered once daily to rats for 28 days. The aqueous extract of the mixture of B. pilosa and C. citratus (2000 and 5000 mg/kg) did not cause death and did not induce any apparent sign of toxicity during the 14 days of observation. The DL₅₀ of the extract is therefore greater than 5000 mg/kg. Taken daily for 28 days, the extract had no significant effect on selected parameters (creatinine, AST, ALT, urea, and uric acid) of renal and hepatic function, as well as on the number of some blood cells. However, the aqueous extract of the mixture of B. pilosa and C. citratus (200 and 400 mg/kg) caused a significant (p  <  0.05; p  <  0.001, respectively) decrease in creatinine levels in male rats as compared to normal control animals. In females, the aqueous extract of the mixture of B. pilosa and C. citratus (200 and 400 mg/kg) resulted in a significant (p  <  0.05) increase in total cholesterol levels as compared to normal control animals. The study showed that the aqueous extract of the mixture of B. pilosa and C. citratus has a low toxicity and does not cause any injury to the liver, kidney, lungs, or spleen.

Exploring the Anti-Hypertensive Potential of Lemongrass—A Comprehensive Review

Simple Summary

Lemongrass is an herb used in folk medicine for the treatment of hypertension, although its pharmacological potential has not yet been thoroughly studied. This paper provides the first comprehensive review on the anti-hypertensive potential of lemongrass, from in vitro to clinical studies. Even though the composition of lemongrass is dependent on its geographical origin, citral constitutes its major compound. Both citral and lemongrass display vasorelaxant activity ex vivo, promoting the secretion of endothelial vasodilators and the blockage of calcium channels in the vascular smooth muscle. Additionally, citral also displays a negative chronotrope effect. In animal models and in human subjects, lemongrass significantly decreases blood pressure, probably due to the combination of the above-mentioned effects together with diuretic activity. Future preclinical studies are necessary to identify other anti-hypertensive compounds/pathways, as well as to better characterize the safety profile of lemongrass.

Abstract

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf) is a herb commonly used in folk medicine for many purposes. However, its anti-hypertensive potential has not yet been thoroughly studied. This paper reviews the anti-hypertensive effects of both lemongrass and its main compound citral in in vitro, ex vivo, preclinical and clinical studies. Lemongrass essential oil contains terpenes and their derivatives, whereas extracts contain different classes of polyphenols. Both citral and lemongrass display vasorelaxant activity ex vivo, acting by the promotion of endothelial nitric oxide/prostanoids secretion together with the blockage of calcium channels in the vascular smooth muscle. Citral also displays a negative chronotrope effect, probably due to a centrally mediated enhancement of parasympathetic activity. In both healthy and hypertensive animals, the acute administration of lemongrass results in a decrease in blood pressure, sometimes accompanied by a compensatory increase in heart rate. Similarly, in healthy and hypertensive human subjects, the consumption of lemongrass tea decreases blood pressure. Additionally, a weak/moderate diuretic activity has also been reported in animals and humans, although the mechanisms of action remain elusive. Future preclinical studies are necessary to identify other compounds with anti-hypertensive activity and additional pharmacological pathways. Although well tolerated, the safety profile of lemongrass should be better characterized.

Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking-Based Strategy to Investigate the Multitarget Mechanisms of Shenqi Yizhi Granule on Alzheimer's Disease

Background

Traditional Chinese herbal medicine draws more attention to explore an effective therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Shenqi Yizhi granule (SQYG), a Chinese herbal recipe, has been applied to ameliorate cognitive impairment in mild-to-moderate AD patients. However, the overall molecular mechanism of SQYG in treating AD has not been clarified.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of SQYG on AD using an integration strategy of network pharmacology and molecular docking.

Methods

The active compounds of SQYG and common targets between SQYG and AD were screened from databases. The herb-compound network, compound-target network, and protein-protein interaction network were constructed. The enrichment analysis of common targets and molecular docking were performed.

Results

816 compounds and 307 common targets between SQYG and AD were screened. KEGG analysis revealed that common targets were mainly enriched in lipid metabolism, metal ion metabolism, IL-17 signaling pathway, GABA receptor signaling, and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction. Molecular docking analysis showed high binding affinity between ginsenoside Rg1 and Aβ _1-42, tanshinone IIA and BACE1, baicalin, and AchE.

Conclusions

The therapeutic mechanisms of SQYG on AD were associated with regulating lipid metabolism, metal ion metabolism, IL-17 signaling pathway, and GABA receptor signaling. Ginsenoside Rg1, tanshinone IIA, baicalin, astragaloside IV, and folic acid may play an important role in AD treatment.