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Liu W, Tang X, Fan C, He G, Wang X, Liang X, Bao X. Chemical constituents, pharmacological action, antitumor application, and toxicity of Strychnine Semen from Strychnons pierriana A.W.Hill.: A review. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 317:116748. [PMID: 37348797 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The dried and mature seeds of Strychnons pierriana A.W.Hill. have been called Strychnine Semen(S. Semen). It have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for nearly 400 years. In recent decades, scholars at home and abroad have widely used S. Semen in the treatment of tumor diseases, showing good anti-tumor effects. In this paper, the modern research achievements of S. Semen are reviewed, including traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology. AIM OF THE STUDY In recent years, the research on S. Semen has increased gradually, especially the research on its anti-tumor. This paper not only reviewed the traditional uses, chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of S. Semen, but also comprehensively listed the mechanisms of Strychnos in the treatment of different tumors, providing a review for further research and development of Strychnos resources. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic review of the literature on Fuzi was performed using several resources, namely classic books on Chinese herbal medicine and various scientific databases, such as PubMed, the Web of Science, and the China Knowledge Resource Integrated databases. RESULTS The main constituents of S. Semen include alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, and their glycosides. Modern studies have proved that S. Semen has a wide range of pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory and analgesic, anti-thrombotic, myocardial cell protection, immune regulation, nerve excitation, and anti-tumor effects. Among them, the anti-tumor effect has been the focus of research in recent years. S. Semen have a certain therapeutic effect on many kinds of tumors, such as liver cancer, colon cancer, and stomach cancer in the digestive system, breast, cervical, and ovarian cancer in the reproductive system, myeloma and leukemia in the blood system, and those in the nervous system and the immune system. CONCLUSION Strychnine has an inhibitory effect on a variety of tumors. However, modern studies of strychnine are incomplete, and more in-depth studies are needed on its stronger bioactive constituents and potential pharmacological effects. The antitumor effect of Strychnine is worth further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiran Liu
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xintian Tang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Chengyu Fan
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Guannan He
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoxin Wang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaodong Liang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China.
| | - Xia Bao
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China.
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Gao Y, Guo L, Han Y, Zhang J, Dai Z, Ma S. A Combination of In Silico ADMET Prediction, In Vivo Toxicity Evaluation, and Potential Mechanism Exploration of Brucine and Brucine N-oxide-A Comparative Study. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28031341. [PMID: 36771007 PMCID: PMC9919335 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Brucine (BRU) and brucine N-oxide (BNO) are prominent, bioactive, and toxic alkaloids in crude and processed Semen Strychni. Studies have demonstrated that BRU and BNO possess comprehensive pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory and analgesic. In this context, a comparative study of BRU and BNO was performed by combination analysis of in silico ADMET prediction, in vivo toxicity evaluation, and potential action mechanism exploration. ADMET prediction showed that BRU and BNO might induce liver injury, and BRU may have a stronger hepatoxic effect. The prediction was experimentally verified using the zebrafish model. The BRU-induced hepatotoxicity of zebrafish larvae had a dose-response relationship. The mechanism of BRU-induced hepatotoxicity might relate to phosphorylation, kinase activity, and signal transduction. By comparison, signal transduction and gap junctions might involve BNO-induced hepatotoxicity. Our results provided a better understanding of BRU- and BNO-induced hepatotoxicity. We also built a foundation to elucidate the material base of the hepatotoxicity of traditional Chinese medicine Semen Strychni.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Gao
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Lin Guo
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Ying Han
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Jingpu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Zhong Dai
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 100050, China
- Correspondence: (Z.D.); (S.M.)
| | - Shuangcheng Ma
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 100050, China
- Correspondence: (Z.D.); (S.M.)
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Gao Y, Xin D, Liang XD, Tang Y. Effect of a combination of Atractylodes macrocephala extract with strychnine on the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway in MH7A cells. Exp Ther Med 2023; 25:91. [PMID: 36761010 PMCID: PMC9905656 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.11791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is now widely recognized as a chronic systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by swelling, pain and stiffness, which are often disabling. Although the number of drugs available for the treatment of RA has increased in recent years, they are generally expensive, leave patients prone to relapse and can result in severe effects when discontinued. Thus, there is a need for an inexpensive drug with fewer side effects that can be adhered to relieve pain and slow down the progression of the disease. Strychnine, a traditional Chinese medicine, was often used in ancient times to treat swollen and painful joints; however, because of its somewhat toxic nature, it is often combined with Atractylodes macrocephala to reduce its toxicity for safer therapeutic action. The present study performed high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis to confirm whether the use of strychnine with Atractylodes macrocephala had the effect of reducing strychnine content. MH7A cells were induced using IL-1β to study the effect of strychnine with Atractylodes macrocephala on the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB/NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) pathway in order to verify its role in the treatment of RA. The results indicated that the combined application of HPLC-MS/MS strychnine and Atractylodes macrocephala had a reducing effect on the strychnine content. From the subsequent experimental results, it can be inferred that Strychnine combined with Atractylodes macrocephala extract could promote the apoptosis of synovial cells, and could inhibit the expression levels of TLR4, NF-κB and NLRP3 in the cells as well as reducing the MH7A-positive cells. The expression levels of TLR4, IκB kinase β, NF-κB and NLRP3 were significantly reduced after treatment with each administration group, resulting in a decrease in the phosphorylation levels of TLR4 and NF-κB, indicating that the combination potently inhibited their phosphorylation. The combination of strychnine and atractylenolide II was also revealed to be the main active ingredient in the treatment of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijing Gao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, P.R. China
| | - Dan Xin
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Dong Liang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, P.R. China,Correspondence to: Professor Xiao-Dong Liang or Professor Yingxue Tang, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 4655 University Road, Changqing, Jinan, Shandong 250355, P.R. China
| | - Yingxue Tang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, P.R. China,Correspondence to: Professor Xiao-Dong Liang or Professor Yingxue Tang, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 4655 University Road, Changqing, Jinan, Shandong 250355, P.R. China
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Li RL, Zhang Q, Liu J, He LY, Huang QW, Peng W, Wu CJ. Processing methods and mechanisms for alkaloid-rich Chinese herbal medicines: A review. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE-JIM 2020; 19:89-103. [PMID: 33349610 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2020.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The processing of Chinese herbal medicine is a form of pharmaceutical technology developed over thousands of years, in order to increase efficiency and decrease toxicity of herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Herbal processing is essential for safe and effective application of TCM in clinical practice, as it alters the active chemical components and therefore the functions of herbal medicines. Alkaloid-rich herbal medicines in TCM are commonly processed by cleansing, cutting, processing by dry stir-frying, stir-frying with liquid adjuvants, and processing by water decoction. In addition, commonly used adjuvants for processing alkaloid-rich herbal medicines are river sand, wine, vinegar, brine, honey and herbal juice. For alkaloid-rich herbal medicines, the main chemical reactions that occur during processing include hydrolysis, oxidation, replacement, decomposition and condensation. This paper aimed to summarize the processing methods and mechanisms for alkaloid-rich Chinese herbal medicines, and provide much-needed theoretical support and scientific evidence for understanding those mechanisms and effects. Information on processing methods for alkaloid-rich herbal medicines was collected from classic books of herbal medicine, PhD and MSc dissertations, online scientific databases including PubMed, SciFinder, Scopus, Web of Science, Baidu Scholar and Google Scholar. This paper should help to advance our knowledge of the processing mechanisms and aid in the development of processing methods for alkaloid-rich Chinese herbal medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruo-Lan Li
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jia Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Li-Ying He
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Qin-Wan Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Wei Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, Sichuan Province, China.
| | - Chun-Jie Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, Sichuan Province, China.
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Wei S, Li Y, Gong Q, Liang H, Liu Q, Bernardi RE, Zhang H, Chen F, Lawrence AJ, Liang J. Brucine N‐Oxide Reduces Ethanol Intake and Preference in Alcohol‐Preferring Male Fawn‐Hooded Rats. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2020; 44:1321-1328. [PMID: 32343845 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shoupeng Wei
- From the Department of Pharmacology (SW, QG, HL, QL) School of Basic Medicine Sciences Peking University Beijing China
| | - Yu‐ling Li
- Department of Pharmacy (Y‐LL) East Hospital Tongji University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Qi Gong
- From the Department of Pharmacology (SW, QG, HL, QL) School of Basic Medicine Sciences Peking University Beijing China
| | - Hui Liang
- From the Department of Pharmacology (SW, QG, HL, QL) School of Basic Medicine Sciences Peking University Beijing China
| | - Qing Liu
- From the Department of Pharmacology (SW, QG, HL, QL) School of Basic Medicine Sciences Peking University Beijing China
| | - Rick E. Bernardi
- Institute of Psychopharmacology (REB) Central Institute of Mental Health Medical Faculty Mannheim University of Heidelberg Mannheim Germany
| | - Han‐Ting Zhang
- Departments of Behavioral Medicine & Psychiatry and Physiology & Pharmacology (H‐TZ) West Virginia University Health Sciences Center Morgantown West Virginia
| | - Feng Chen
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health (FC, AJL) University of Melbourne Parkville3010Victoria Australia
| | - Andrew J. Lawrence
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health (FC, AJL) University of Melbourne Parkville3010Victoria Australia
| | - Jian‐hui Liang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology (J‐hL) School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Peking University Beijing China
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Jain R, Tripathi RM, Negi A, Singh SP. A simple, cost-effective and rapid method for simultaneous determination of Strychnos nux-vomica alkaloids in blood and Ayurvedic medicines based on ultrasound-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction-thin-layer chromatography-image analysis. J Chromatogr Sci 2020; 58:477-484. [PMID: 32100010 DOI: 10.1093/chromsci/bmaa007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
A simple, rapid, cost-effective and green analytical method is developed based on ultrasound-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (US-DLLME) coupled to thin-layer chromatography (TLC)-image analysis for the simultaneous determination of two major alkaloids of Strychnos nux-vomica L i.e., strychnine and brucine. The method is composed of three steps, namely (i) US-DLLME by injecting a mixture of 100-μL chloroform (extraction solvent) and 1-mL methanol (disperser solvent) in 5 mL of aqueous sample, followed by ultrasonication and centrifugation, (ii) TLC of 20 μL of sedimented phase with methanol: ammonia (100:1.5, v/v) as the mobile phase and visualization under ultraviolet radiation (254 nm) and (iii) photography of TLC plate and quantification of spots by image analysis using freely available imageJ software (National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA). The limit of detection and limit of quantification for both alkaloids were found to be in the range of 0.12-0.15 and 0.36-0.48 μg/spot, respectively. The method was found to be linear in the range of 0.5-5 μg/spot with correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.995 and 0.997 for strychnine and brucine, respectively. The developed method was successfully applied for the determination of strychnine and brucine in Ayurvedic formulations and blood samples. The method does not require any sophisticated instrument and handling skills and can be adopted for rapid analysis of strychnine and brucine in forensic toxicological laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev Jain
- Forensic Toxicology Division, Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Urput-Kumeria Road, P.O. Maniari Tiniali, Kamrup (Rural), Assam 781125, India.,Forensic Toxicology Division, Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Plot #2, Sector 36-A, Dakshin Marg, Chandigarh 160036, India, and
| | - Rohitashva Mani Tripathi
- Forensic Toxicology Division, Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Plot #2, Sector 36-A, Dakshin Marg, Chandigarh 160036, India, and
| | - Archna Negi
- Forensic Chemistry Division, Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Plot #2, Sector 36-A, Dakshin Marg, Chandigarh 160036, India
| | - Shishir Pratap Singh
- Forensic Toxicology Division, Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Urput-Kumeria Road, P.O. Maniari Tiniali, Kamrup (Rural), Assam 781125, India
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Licorice Extracts Attenuate Nephrotoxicity Induced by Brucine Through Suppression of Mitochondria Apoptotic Pathway and STAT3 Activation. Curr Med Sci 2019; 39:890-898. [DOI: 10.1007/s11596-019-2126-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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8
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Sun L, Chen Y, Hou C, Sun X, Wang Z, Li S, Lv M, Chen X. Neuroprotective effect of total glycosides from paeonies against neurotoxicity induced by strychnos alkaloids related to recovering the levels of neurotransmitters and neuroendocrine hormones in rat serum and brain. RSC Adv 2018; 8:29210-29219. [PMID: 35548016 PMCID: PMC9084482 DOI: 10.1039/c8ra05384g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Semen Strychni, a classical traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used for its anti-tumor, analgesic and anti-inflammatory angiogenesis effects. However, taking an overdose of Semen Strychni might result in extreme neurotoxicity. Strychnos alkaloids are the main toxic constituents of Semen Strychni. Total glycosides from paeonies are considered to have neuroprotective effects. In this study, twelve potential endogenous biomarkers in rat serum and brain were monitored to investigate the protective effect of total glycosides from the paeony against strychnos alkaloids-induced neurotoxicity. A sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated to monitor eight neurotransmitters including glutamate, γ-aminobutyric acid, acetylcholine serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, tryptophan and tyrosine. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method was selected for determination of four neuroendocrine hormones including thyrotrophin-releasing hormone, corticotrophin-releasing hormone, antidiuretic hormone and prolactin. Results showed that continuous administration of strychnos alkaloids for 15 days caused significant changed levels of the biomarkers (especially the four neuroendocrine hormones). Meanwhile, total glycosides from paeony pretreated rats (administrated with total glycosides from the paeony for 15 days before exposure to strychnos alkaloids) showed recovered levels of these biomarkers. The results suggested that the neurotransmitters and neuroendocrine hormones in serum and brain might play potential roles as biomarkers. This study provides the possibility of alleviating the Semen Strychni-induced neurotoxicity in clinic by pre-protection with total glycosides from paeonies. Eight neurotransmitters and four neuroendocrine hormones in rat serum and brain were quantified to investigate the neuroprotective effect of total glycosides from paeony against neurotoxicity induced by strychnos alkaloids.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Linjia Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University 103 Wenhua Road in Shenhe District Shenyang China 110016 +8602423986259
| | - Yu Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University 103 Wenhua Road in Shenhe District Shenyang China 110016 +8602423986259
| | - Chenzhi Hou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing China
| | - Xiaoyang Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University 103 Wenhua Road in Shenhe District Shenyang China 110016 +8602423986259
| | - Zhipeng Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University 103 Wenhua Road in Shenhe District Shenyang China 110016 +8602423986259
| | - Shujuan Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University 103 Wenhua Road in Shenhe District Shenyang China 110016 +8602423986259
| | - Mingming Lv
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University 103 Wenhua Road in Shenhe District Shenyang China 110016 +8602423986259
| | - Xiaohui Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University 103 Wenhua Road in Shenhe District Shenyang China 110016 +8602423986259
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Ren T, Li M, Zheng H, Liu W, Zhang J. Microdialysis combined with RRLC–MS/MS for the pharmacokinetics of two major alkaloids of Bi qi capsule and the potential roles of P-gp and BCRP on their penetration. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2018; 1092:72-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2018.05.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Prophylactic Neuroprotection of Total Glucosides of Paeoniae Radix Alba against Semen Strychni-Induced Neurotoxicity in Rats: Suppressing Oxidative Stress and Reducing the Absorption of Toxic Components. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10040514. [PMID: 29677121 PMCID: PMC5946299 DOI: 10.3390/nu10040514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Strychnos alkaloids (SAs) are the main toxic constituents in Semen Strychni, a traditional Chinese medicine, which is known for its fatal neurotoxicity. Hence, the present study was carried out to evaluate the neurotoxicity induced by SAs and the pre-protective effects of the total glucosides of Paeoniae Radix Alba (TGP). An SA brain damage model was firstly established. The neurotoxicity induced by SAs and the pre-protective effects of TGP were confirmed by physical and behavioral testing, biochemical assay, and histological examination. Then, a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated to investigate the time-course change and distribution of strychnine and brucine (two main SAs) in the brain after oral SA administration with or without TGP pretreatment. Biochemical analysis results indicated that TGP could ameliorate the oxidative stress status caused by SAs. Time-course change and distribution studies demonstrated that strychnine and brucine were rapidly absorbed into the brain, peaked early at 0.5 h, and were mainly located in the hippocampus and cerebellum. TGP showed a pre-protective effect against neurotoxicity by reducing the absorption of toxic alkaloids into the brain. These findings could provide beneficial information in facilitating future studies of Semen Strychni neurotoxicity and developing herbal medicines to alleviate neurotoxicity in the clinic.
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Zheng H, Wang Z, Liu W, Jin H, Zhang J. Toxicokinetics of strychnine and brucine after the oral administration of Biqi capsule to rats by RRLC-MS/MS. Biomed Chromatogr 2017; 32. [PMID: 29027676 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.4117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2017] [Revised: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Biqi capsule is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine formula that has been widely applied for the clinical treatment of such diseases as rheumatoid arthritis, scapulohumeral periarthritis and cervical spondylopathy. However, there is concern regarding the toxicity of Biqi capsule owing to its active ingredients, strychnine and brucine. To investigate the toxicokinetics of strychnine and brucine after oral administration of Biqi capsule to rats, a sensitive and simple rapid-resolution liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method was developed to determine the levels of strychnine and brucine in rat plasma. Chromatographic separation was performed on a Capcell Pak C18 MG II (3.0 μm, 2.0 × 35 mm) column by gradient elution with acetonitrile and 0.2% formic acid as the mobile phase. The method was validated over the range of 0.25-250 ng/mL for strychnine and 0.025-25 ng/mL for brucine. The intra- and inter-day accuracies of strychnine and brucine in rat plasma were 100.3-106.6 and 90.75-106.1% respectively, and the precisions were within 14.2%. The established method was successfully applied to the toxicokinetic study of strychnine and brucine after single and multiple oral administration of Biqi capsule to male and female rats at 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 g/kg doses. The results showed different toxicokinetic characteristics in the different groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhe Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenwei Liu
- Tianjin Darentang Jingwanhong Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongtao Jin
- New Drug Safety Evaluation Center, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinlan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Zhang M, Deng Y, Wang C, Cai HL, Wen J, Fang PF, Zhang BK, Li HD, Yan M. An LC-MS/MS method for determination of bioactive components of liquorice and Semen Strychni in rat plasma: Application to a pharmacokinetics study. Drug Test Anal 2017; 10:262-271. [PMID: 28447397 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy; Central South University; Changsha China
| | - Yang Deng
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy; Central South University; Changsha China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy; Central South University; Changsha China
| | - Hua-Lin Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy; Central South University; Changsha China
| | - Jing Wen
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy; Central South University; Changsha China
| | - Ping-Fei Fang
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy; Central South University; Changsha China
| | - Bi-Kui Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy; Central South University; Changsha China
| | - Huan-De Li
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy; Central South University; Changsha China
| | - Miao Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy; Central South University; Changsha China
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Wang J, Li Y, Yang Y, Chen X, Du J, Zheng Q, Liang Z, Wang Y. A New Strategy for Deleting Animal drugs from Traditional Chinese Medicines based on Modified Yimusake Formula. Sci Rep 2017; 7:1504. [PMID: 28473709 PMCID: PMC5431437 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-01613-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), such as Uyghur Medicine (UM) has been used in clinical treatment for many years. TCM is featured as multiple targets and complex mechanisms of action, which is normally a combination of medicinal herbs and sometimes even contains certain rare animal medicinal ingredients. A question arises as to whether these animal materials can be removed replaced from TCM applications due to their valuable rare resources or animal ethics. Here, we select a classical UM Yimusake formula, which contains 3 animal drugs and other 8 herbs, and has got wealthy experience and remarkable achievements in treating erectile dysfunction (ED) in China. The active components, drug targets and therapeutic mechanisms have been comprehensively analyzed by systems-pharmacology methods. Additionally, to validate the inhibitory effects of all candidate compounds on their related targets, in vitro experiments, computational analysis and molecular dynamics simulations were performed. The results show that the modified, original and three animal materials display very similar mechanisms for an effective treatment of ED, indicating that it is quite possible to remove these three animal drugs from the original formula while still keep its efficiency. This work provides a new attempt for deleting animal materials from TCM, which should be important for optimization of traditional medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic Phytomedicine Resources, Pharmacy School, Shihezi University, Ministry of Education, Shihezi, 832002, China
- Key laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (MOE), Faculty of Chemical, Environmental and Biological Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Yan Li
- Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic Phytomedicine Resources, Pharmacy School, Shihezi University, Ministry of Education, Shihezi, 832002, China.
- Key laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (MOE), Faculty of Chemical, Environmental and Biological Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China.
| | - Yinfeng Yang
- Key laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (MOE), Faculty of Chemical, Environmental and Biological Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Xuetong Chen
- College of Life Science of Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Jian Du
- Key laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (MOE), Faculty of Chemical, Environmental and Biological Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Qiusheng Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic Phytomedicine Resources, Pharmacy School, Shihezi University, Ministry of Education, Shihezi, 832002, China
| | - Zongsuo Liang
- College of Life Science of Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Yonghua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic Phytomedicine Resources, Pharmacy School, Shihezi University, Ministry of Education, Shihezi, 832002, China.
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Shi H, Hou C, Gu L, Xing H, Zhang M, Zhao L, Bi K, Chen X. Investigation of the protective effect of Paeonia lactiflora on Semen Strychni-induced neurotoxicity based on monitoring nine potential neurotoxicity biomarkers in rat serum and brain tissue. Metab Brain Dis 2017; 32:133-145. [PMID: 27521025 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-016-9894-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Semen Strychni has been widely used as a traditional Chinese herb medicine, but its clinical use was limited for its potential neurotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. This study aimed to investigate S. Strychni-induced neurotoxicity and the neuro-protective effect of Paeonia lactiflora based on monitoring nine potential neurotoxicity biomarkers in rat serum and brain tissue. A sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated to monitor serotonin, tryptophan, dopamine, tyrosine and glutamate in serum and five brain regions (prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, striatum, cerebellum and hypothalamus). Analytes were separated on a CAPCELL CORE PC column (150 mm × 2 mm, 2.7 μm) with a gradient program of acetonitrile-water (0.2 % formic acid) and a total runtime of 7.5 min. In addition, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was conducted to determine four kinds of protein (tryptophan hydroxylase, tyrosine hydroxylase, endogenous brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor). Results demonstrated that the administration of S. Strychni could cause certain endogenous substances disorder. These analytes were found significantly changed (p < 0.05) in serum (except glutamate) and in certain tested brain regions in S. Strychni extract group. Pretreatment of P. lactiflora could significantly reverse the S. Strychni-induced neurotoxicity and normalize the levels of such endogenous substances. The study could be further used in predicting and monitoring neurotoxicity caused by other reasons, and it was expected to be useful for improving clinical use of S. Strychni through pretreatment with P. lactiflora.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyan Shi
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Chenzhi Hou
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Liqiang Gu
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Hang Xing
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Meiyu Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Material Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Longshan Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
| | - Kaishun Bi
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Xiaohui Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
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Guo J, Meng H, Li HH, Wang QF. Determination of strychnine, brucine, strychnine N-oxide, and brucine N-oxide in plasma samples after the oral administration of processed semen strychni extract by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultrasound-assisted mixed cloud point extracti. J Sep Sci 2016; 39:2553-61. [PMID: 27125604 DOI: 10.1002/jssc.201501379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Revised: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Guo
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Xi Jing Hospital; Fourth Military Medical University; Xian Shanxi China
| | - Hua Meng
- VIP Health Center and Department of Geriatrics, Xi Jing Hospital; Fourth Military Medical University; Xian Shanxi China
| | - Huang Huang Li
- Basic Medical College; Xinjiang Medical University; Urumqi Xinjiang China
| | - Qiao Feng Wang
- Medicinal Chemistry Department; Fourth Military Medical University; Xian Shanxi China
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LC–MS/MS determination and comparative pharmacokinetics of strychnine, brucine and their metabolites in rat plasma after intragastric administration of each monomer and the total alkaloids from Semen Strychni. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2016; 1008:65-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2015.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Revised: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 11/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Chen J, He CQ, Lin AH, Gu W, Chen ZP, Li W, Cai BC. Thermosensitive liposomes with higher phase transition temperature for targeted drug delivery to tumor. Int J Pharm 2014; 475:408-15. [PMID: 25218394 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2014.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Revised: 08/24/2014] [Accepted: 09/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Thermosensitive liposomes (TSL) in combination with local hyperthermia (HT) represent a promising tool for tumor specific drug delivery. The objective of the study was to investigate the influence of phase transition temperature (Tm) on the properties of TSL. High temperature triggered TSL (HTSL), low temperature triggered TSL (LTSL) and non-TSL (NTSL) were prepared and temperature sensitive release properties were extensively compared in different media. Mouse plasma was determined to have similar effect on the release profiles compared to human plasma, in which complete release were obtained at 38 °C and 40 °C for LTSL and HTSL, respectively. The temperature at which complete release achieved was found to be obviously lower than Tm. Brucine, an antitumor alkaloid, was encapsulated into different TSLs. After HT treatment, the viabilities of SMMC 7721 cells were determined to be 21.3±3.8% and 16.8±3.3% for 127 μM brucine LTSL and HTSL, respectively. Treating the tumor-bearing mice with LTSL, HTSL and NTSL led to significantly increased brucine uptake in the heated tumor site compared to the brucine solution group by 2.30, 3.80 and 2.26-fold, respectively. The results of this study suggested that Tm of TSL should be increased to obtain improved drug delivery efficiency to tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Chao-qin He
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ai-hua Lin
- The Second Faculty of Clinical Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Wei Gu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhi-peng Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Wei Li
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Bao-chang Cai
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
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Li J, Ye N, Gao C, Zhou T, Ma J. Capillary Coated with Graphene Oxide as Stationary Phase for the Separation of Brucine and Strychnine by Capillary Electrophoresis. J Chromatogr Sci 2014; 53:641-5. [DOI: 10.1093/chromsci/bmu076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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Brucine suppresses ethanol intake and preference in alcohol-preferring Fawn-Hooded rats. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2014; 35:853-61. [PMID: 24909512 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2014.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Brucine (BRU) extracted from the seeds of Strychnos nux-vomica L is glycine receptor antagonist. We hypothesize that BRU may modify alcohol consumption by acting at glycine receptors, and evaluated the pharmacodynamic profiles and adverse effects of BRU in rat models of alcohol abuse. METHODS Alcohol-preferring Fawn-Hooded (FH/Wjd) rats were administered BRU (10, 20 or 30 mg/kg, sc). The effects of BRU on alcohol consumption were examined in ethanol 2-bottle-choice drinking paradigm, ethanol/sucrose operant self-administration paradigm and 5-d ethanol deprivation test. In addition, open field test was used to assess the general locomotor activity of FH/Wjd rats, and conditioned place preference (CPP) was conducted to assess conditioned reinforcing effect. RESULTS In ethanol 2-bottle-choice drinking paradigm, treatment with BRU for 10 consecutive days dose-dependently decreased the ethanol intake associated with a compensatory increase of water intake, but unchanged the daily total fluid intake and body weight. In ethanol/sucrose operant self-administration paradigms, BRU (30 mg/kg) administered before each testing session significantly decreased the number of lever presses for ethanol and the ethanol intake, without affecting the number of sucrose (10%) responses, total sucrose intake, and the number of lever presses for water. Acute treatment with BRU (30 mg/kg) completely suppressed the deprivation-induced elevation of ethanol consumption. Treatment with BRU (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg) did not alter locomotion of FH/Wjd rats, nor did it produce place preference or aversion. CONCLUSION BRU selectively decreases ethanol consumption with minimal adverse effects. Therefore, BRU may represent a new pharmacotherapy for alcoholism.
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Chen J, He CQ, Lin AH, Xu F, Wang F, Zhao B, Liu X, Chen ZP, Cai BC. Brucine-loaded liposomes composed of HSPC and DPPC at different ratios: in vitro and in vivo evaluation. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2014; 40:244-51. [PMID: 23600656 DOI: 10.3109/03639045.2012.756009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to test the hypothesis that the phase transition temperature (T(m)), the main property of liposomes, can be easily controlled by changing the molar ratio of hydrogenated soy phosphatidylcholine (HSPC) and 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphacholine (DPPC) after drug encapsulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Brucine, an antitumor alkaloid, was encapsulated into the liposomes with different HSPC/DPPC compositions. The T(m)s of the brucine-loaded liposomes (BLs) were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Then the physicochemical properties and pharmacokinetics of the BLs with different HSPC/DPPC compositions were investigated and compared. RESULTS The results of DSC revealed that HSPC and DPPC can combine into one phase. The findings of molecular modeling study suggested that HSPC interacts with DPPC via electrostatic interaction. The molar ratio of HSPC/DPPC influenced the sizes of BLs but had little effect on the entrapment efficiency (EE). The stability of BLs was improved with the increase of the HSPC ratios, especially with the presence of plasma. Following i.v. administration, it was found that AUC values of BLs in vivo were directly related to the HSPC/DPPC ratios of BLs, namely the T(m)s of BLs. DISCUSSION The behavior of liposomes, especially in vivo pharmacokinetic behavior, can be controlled by the modification of T(m). CONCLUSION The characterization of BLs in vitro and in vivo had demonstrated that the Tm could be flexibly modified for liposomes composed of both HSPC and DPPC. Using HSPC/DPPC composition may be an efficient strategy to control the T(m), thus control the in vivo pharmacokinetic behavior, of BLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Chen
- National First-Class Key Discipline for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine , Nanjing , P.R. China
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Chen J, Hu W, Qu YQ, Dong J, Gu W, Gao Y, Fang Y, Fang F, Chen ZP, Cai BC. Evaluation of the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of brucine following transdermal administration. Fitoterapia 2013; 86:193-201. [PMID: 23500380 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2013.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2012] [Revised: 02/23/2013] [Accepted: 03/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Before the design of brucine-containing transdermal formulations, the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of brucine following transdermal administration should be evaluated. In this study, the effect of addition of ethanol on solubility of bruicne was investigated and 20% ethanol was added into PBS to obtain 10mg/mL brucine solution. Then three transdermal doses (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) were administered to mice to evaluate pharmacological activity. It had been demonstrated that brucine possessed analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity in a dose-dependent manner. Cytotoxicities of brucine against various tumor cells including skin tumor cell were also compared in vitro. Brucine was found to possess antitumor activity in a concentration and time-dependent manner and gastrointestinal tumor cells seemed to be more sensitive to brucine. Then in vitro skin permeation behavior and in vivo pharmacokinetics following transdermal administration were further investigated. The cumulative amounts of brucine across mouse skin in vitro were found to be higher than 90%. The absolute bioavailability of brucine was determined to be 40.83%. And compared with intravenous administration, MRT and T1/2 values were increased about 8~12-fold by transdermal route. Moreover, fluctuations of drug levels were found to be significantly decreased in tissues, especially in brain. Finally, no dermal toxicity of brucine was observed. The results of this study indicated that transdermal administration might be beneficial for the sustained efficacy and reduced toxicity of brucine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210046, PR China
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Chen J, Wang X, Qu YG, Chen ZP, Cai H, Liu X, Xu F, Lu TL, Cai BC. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity and pharmacokinetics of alkaloids from seeds of Strychnos nux-vomica after transdermal administration: effect of changes in alkaloid composition. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2012; 139:181-8. [PMID: 22094056 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2011] [Revised: 10/12/2011] [Accepted: 10/31/2011] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Strychnos nux-vomica L. (Loganiaceae) is grown extensively in southern Asian countries. The dried seed of this plant, nux vomica, has been clinically used in Chinese folk medicine for improving blood circulation, relieving rheumatic pain, reducing swelling and treating cancer. AIM OF THE STUDY This study was carried out to investigate the effect of removing most strychnine from the total alkaloid fraction (TAF) extracted from nux vomica on analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity and pharmacokinetics after transdermal administration. MATERIALS AND METHODS Most strychnine was removed from TAF and the resulted modified total alkaloid fraction (MTAF) was obtained. The contents of strychnine and brucine in TAF and MTAF were determined. Then the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of TAF, MTAF, brucine and strychnine dissolved in hydrogel was compared after transdermal administration. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo transdermal absorption profiles of brucine after administration of TAF, MTAF and brucine dissolved in hydrogel were also compared. RESULTS In contrast to TAF, most strychnine was removed from MTAF and the ratio of brucine to strychnine was adjusted from 1:1.8 to 2.7:1. MTAF showed significant analgesic activity in all the chemical-, thermal- and physical- induced nociception models, which indicated the presence of both centrally and peripherally mediated activities. MTAF also showed significant anti-inflammatory activity against xylene-induced ear edema. But TAF and strychnine demonstrated little activity in all those pharmacological tests. Brucine showed to be effective in acetic acid-induced writhing and xylene-induced ear edema test. Brucine in MTAF was absorbed more completely than it alone at the same dosage of brucine after transdermal administration. CONCLUSIONS The results from the present study appeared to support the viewpoint that most strychnine should be removed from TAF to improve analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. The relatively higher pharmacological activity of MTAF compared to brucine alone is partly due to the enhanced transdermal absorption of brucine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210046, PR China
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