ViphyllinTM, a Standardized Black Pepper Seed Extract Exerts Antinociceptive Effects in Murine Pain Models via Activation of Cannabinoid Receptor CB2, Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-Alpha and TRPV1 Ion Channels

Plant-derived natural products targeting ion channels for pain

Chronic pain affects approximately one-fifth of people worldwide and reduces quality of life and in some cases, working ability. Ion channels expressed along nociceptive pathways affect neuronal excitability and as a result modulate pain experience. Several ion channels have been identified and investigated as potential targets for new medicines for the treatment of a variety of human diseases, including chronic pain. Voltage-gated channels Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ channels, K⁺ channels, transient receptor potential channels (TRP), purinergic (P2X) channels and acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are some examples of ion channels exhibiting altered function or expression in different chronic pain states. Pharmacological approaches are being developed to mitigate dysregulation of these channels as potential treatment options. Since natural compounds of plant origin exert promising biological and pharmacological properties and are believed to possess less adverse effects compared to synthetic drugs, they have been widely studied as treatments for chronic pain for their ability to alter the functional activity of ion channels. A literature review was conducted using Medline, Google Scholar and PubMed, resulted in listing 79 natural compounds/extracts that are reported to interact with ion channels as part of their analgesic mechanism of action. Most in vitro studies utilized electrophysiological techniques to study the effect of natural compounds on ion channels using primary cultures of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. In vivo studies concentrated on different pain models and were conducted mainly in mice and rats. Proceeding into clinical trials will require further study to develop new, potent and specific ion channel modulators of plant origin.

Viphyllin™, a standardized extract from black pepper seeds, mitigates intestinal inflammation, oxidative stress, and anxiety-like behavior in DSS-induced colitis mice

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are the common health concern in populations across the world. Clinical evidence suggests that IBD, characterized by intestinal inflammation, is associated with neuronal manifestations to a greater extent. In this study, we have investigated the protective effects of Viphyllin™, a standardized black pepper (Piper nigrum) seed extract containing 30% β-caryophyllene against dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Oral pretreatment of Viphyllin at the 50 mg and 100 mg/kg doses significantly reversed the clinical symptoms of colitis in mice. Viphyllin markedly inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation and improved barrier function in colon tissue. Viphyllin further mitigated the DSS-induced anxiety-like behavior in mice. Interestingly, Viphyllin improved brain antioxidant status and promoted neuronal cell survival in colitis model mice. In conclusion, our findings strongly support the health claims of Viphyllin as a functional ingredient to deal with IBD and related neuronal symptoms. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Prevalence of inflammatory bowel diseases is not uncommon in the modern lifestyle. Gut health is associated with neurological disorders that contribute substantially to the deterioration of quality of life and socioeconomic development. In this research work, the protective action of a black pepper seed extract standardized to 30% β-caryophyllene (Viphyllin) is evaluated against Dextran sodium sulfate-induced experimental colitis model. Here we have demonstrated the beneficial role of Viphyllin in mitigating intestinal inflammation as a function of NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition. Further, the extract improves intestinal barrier function. In an important aspect of the study, we have provided the data on the effect of Viphyllin on neurological symptoms and brain health in colitis model mice.

ViphyllinTM, a Standardized Black Pepper Extract Exerts Antihyperglycemic Effect and Improves Sciatic Nerve Conduction in High Fat Diet/Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Model Rats

PURPOSE

Research on plant-based formulations has drawn considerable attention in the management of diabetic neuropathy (DN) for having lesser side effects than the synthetic counterparts. Here, we have investigated for the first time the therapeutic effects of a standardized Piper nigrum L., (black pepper) seed extract, Viphyllin^TM in mitigating hyperglycemia and neuropathic pain of type 2 diabetes model rats.

METHODS

Type 2 diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats using high fat diet and a single dose of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg i.p.). The diabetic rats were orally administered with Viphyllin containing not less than 30% β-caryophyllene (BCP), at 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg/kg/day doses for 6 weeks. Changes in body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG), glucose tolerance, and blood biochemical parameters were measured. The nociceptive response to thermal stimulus (tail flick test) and sciatic nerve conduction velocity (NCV) were recorded at the end of study.

RESULTS

Viphyllin treatment markedly improved the body weight and glucose tolerance in diabetic rats. Also, the extract could significantly reduce the diabetes-induced elevation in FBG, liver and kidney indices. Further, Viphyllin dose-dependently increased the nociception latency in tail flick test compared to untreated diabetic rats (p<0.05). Viphyllin at 100 mg/kg significantly increased the NCV (44.12±1.91*** m/s vs diabetic control 25.80±1.88 m/s). The antioxidant enzyme activities in sciatic nerve tissue were considerably increased in Viphyllin-treated groups compared to diabetic control. A 6-week treatment with Viphyllin markedly reversed the pathological manifestations of diabetes in vital organs such as liver, kidney and pancreas.

CONCLUSION

The study concludes that Viphyllin exerts antidiabetic effects and improves nerve conduction to mitigate neuropathic pain.