Vasoactive and antioxidant activities of plants used in Mexican traditional medicine for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases

Evaluation of the Antigenotoxic Potential of Two Types of Chayote (Sechium edule) Juices

Sechium edule (Jacq.) Swartz is a perennial herbaceous climbing plant with tendrils and tuberous roots belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. Its fruits ("chayote"), stems, roots, and leaves are edible and are commonly ingested by humans. It has shown medicinal properties attributed to its bioactive compounds (vitamins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, triterpenoids, polyphenolic compounds, phytosterols, and cucurbitacins), which together have been associated with the control and prevention of chronic and infectious diseases, highlighting its antibacterial, anti-cardiovascular/antihypertensive, antiepileptic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antiproliferative, and antioxidant activities. The objective of the study was to determine the antigenotoxic potential of two types of fresh chayote juice (filtered (FChJ) and unfiltered (UFChJ)) against DNA damage produced by benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) using an in vivo mouse peripheral blood micronucleus assay (MN). The juices were consumed freely for 2 weeks. A negative control, a control group of each juice, a positive batch [B[a]P], and two combined batches (B[a]P plus FChJ or UFChJ) were included. Blood smears were stained and observed under a microscope to quantify the number of micronucleated normochromic erythrocytes (MNNEs). The results indicate: (a) B[a]P increased the frequency of MNNEs and reduced the rate of PEs; and (b) no juice produced toxic effects or induced MN. On the contrary, both juices were genoprotective. However, the most significant effect was presented by UFChJ at the end of the experiment (70%). It is suggested that UFChJ has a greater amount of fiber and/or phytochemicals that favor the therapeutic effect. Possibly, the genoprotection is also related to its antioxidant capacity.

Buffalo-bur (Solanum rostratum Dunal) invasiveness, bioactivities, and utilization: a review

Solanum rostratum Dunal, belongs to the Solanaceae family and has drawn attention for its intricate interplay of invasiveness, phytochemical composition, and potential bioactivities. Notably invasive, S. rostratum employs adaptive mechanisms during senescence, featuring thorn formation on leaves, fruits, and stems seed self-propulsion, and resistance to drought. This adaptability has led to its proliferation in countries such as China, Canada, and Australia, extending beyond its Mexican origin. Despite its invasive historical reputation, recent studies unveil a rich array of phytochemicals in S. rostratum, suggesting untapped economic potential due to under-exploration. This review delves into exploring the potential uses of S. rostratum while elucidating the bioactive compounds associated with diverse identified bioactivities. In terms of phytochemistry, S. rostratum reveals an abundance of various bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, and glycosides. These compounds confer a range of beneficial bioactivities, encompassing antioxidant, antifungal, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, phytotoxic, and pesticidal properties. This positions S. rostratum as a reservoir of valuable chemical constituents with potential applications, particularly in medicine and agriculture. The review provides comprehensive insights into the phytochemistry, bioactivities, and bioactivity-guided fractionation of S. rostratum. In this review, we focus on the potential utilization of S. rostratum by emphasizing its phytochemical profile, which holds promise for diverse applications. This review is the first that advocates for further exploration and research to unlock the plant's full potential for both economic and environmental benefit.

Pharmacological disadvantages in the spasmolytic effects by using the mixture known as "three toronjiles" in folk medicine

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE

In Mexico, Agastache mexicana subsp. mexicana (PT) and subsp. xolocotziana (WT), and Dracocephalum moldavica (BT), are used together as the "three toronjiles" to treat gastrointestinal spasms.

AIM OF STUDY

To evaluate if the spasmolytic activity of these three medicinal species is better in combination or in an individual manner.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Spasmolytic effect of PT, WT and BT alone or combinate were evaluated in rings of the guinea-pig ileum contracted with potassium chloride (KCl), electrical field stimulation (EFS), or acetylcholine (ACh). Chemical analysis by thin layer and ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography of the aqueous extracts of each species were done for their comparison, and their acute toxicity were determined in mice.

RESULTS

PT and WT diminished in a dose-dependent manner the contractions induced by KCl, EFS, and ACh. Whereas BT did not altered contractions in any experimental protocol. A combination of the PT (EC50) and WT (EC50) diminished the contractions induced by KCl or EFS. Interestingly, the addition of BT extract (10 μg/ml) to the combination (PT EC30 + WT EC30) blocked the inhibitory effect produced on the contracted tissue in the presence of KCl, EFS, or ACh. Moreover, addition of BT extract (100 μg/ml) to the same combination blocked the inhibitory effect on the pre-contracted tissue only in the presence of EFS. None of the aqueous extracts produced toxicity in its individual administration in mice. Chemical analysis demonstrated similarities between PT and WT, but differences with BT.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study confirmed that either combined or by themselves aqueous extracts of PT and WT produced a spasmolytic action on guinea pig ileum, suggesting that this combination of medicinal plants could relieve gastrointestinal diseases in human, but when BT aqueous extract is added to those obtained with PT and WT, the spasmolytic activity diminished or even was blocked. Our results give evidence that mixture of several plants might produce disadvantages in the medicinal properties of their individual activity.

Dracocephalum moldavica L.: An updated comprehensive review of its botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and application aspects

Dracocephalum moldavica, known as Xiang-qing-lan (in Chinese), is a traditional folk medicine, which was commonly used by Mongolian and Xinjiang Uyghurs area. Dracocephalum moldavica has the effects of purging liver fire, clearing stomach heat, hemostasis. It is used for treating insufficient heart and blood, weakened brain function, weak feeling and spirit disease etc. This review aimed to summarize the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and application of Dracocephalum moldavica, which expected to provide theoretical support for future utilization and highlight the further investigation of this vital plant. In addition to the essential oil, approximately 154 compounds have been isolated and identified from aerial parts of the Dracocephalum moldavica, including flavonoids, terpenoids, lignans, phenylpropanoids, phenols, glycosides, polysaccharide and other compounds. Extensive pharmacological activities of the extracts or compounds of Dracocephalum moldavica in vivo and in vitro were confirmed including cardiovascular protection, antioxidative, antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-complementary and chronic mountain sickness. Moreover, Dracocephalum moldavica is used in a wide range of applications in food, biological pesticides and cosmetics. In the future, Dracocephalum moldavica needs further study, such as paying more attention to quality control, toxicity, pharmacological mechanism and pharmacokinetics.

The Hypotensive and Vasodilatory Effects Observed in Rats Exposed to Chiranthodendron pentadactylon Larreat Flowers Can Be Attributed to Cyanidin 3-O-Glucoside

Chiranthodendron pentadactylon Larreat is a tree native to southeastern Mexico and Guatemala. Its flower is used in Mexican folk medicine to treat a variety of diseases, including conditions of blood pressure. However, scientific information on its usefulness in this pathology is lacking. The present study evaluates the effect of a methanolic extract (ME) from the flower and its active constituents on heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in anesthetized rats (MAPHR). The study also analyzed the effects on rat-isolated aortic rings (RIAR) and the rat mesenteric arterial bed (MABR). Active fractions were chromatographed, which led to the isolation of cyanidin 3-O-glucoside (C3G) identified through HPLC. The Chiranthodendron pentadactylon flowers produced hypotensive and vasorelaxant effects associated with C3G. The vasorelaxant effect is a mechanism underlying the synthesis and release of nitric oxide (NO). Neither cholinergic receptors nor prostaglandins are involved. ME and C3G cause cardiovascular depression in anesthetized rats via cholinergic and prostanoid mechanisms. Our research expands the scientific understanding of the flowers on the rat cardiovascular system. This amplifies the appreciation of the flower's ethnomedicine employed to control blood pressure. However, researchers need to conduct toxicity studies to determine the safety of this plant.

Chiranthodendron pentadactylon Larreat (Sterculiaceae), a Potential Nephroprotector against Oxidative Damage Provoked by STZ-Induced Hyperglycemia in Rats

BACKGROUND

Chiranthodendron pentadactylon, known in Mexico as the "tree of the little hands", flower's infusion is used to treat kidney failure associated with diseases such as diabetes. The aim of this work is to evaluate the antioxidant effect of the methanolic extract of its flowers on oxidative damage in kidneys caused by streptozotocin in rats.

METHODS

The extract phytochemical profile was performed with HPLC. Antioxidant potential in vitro was determined with DPPH and total phenolic tests; antioxidant evaluation in vivo was performed in diabetic rats administered daily via the intragastric route (100 and 200 mg/kg) for 6 weeks; serum glucose/creatinine, food/water consumption, and urinary volume were measured. Relative weight, protein/DNA ratios and oxidative stress were measured in renal tissue.

RESULTS

The extract showed 20.53% of total phenolic content and IC50 of 18.05 µg/mL in DPPH, and this was associated with ferulic acid, phloretin and α-amyrin. Both doses showed a moderate decrease in the protein/DNA ratio in renal tissue, and the same behavior was observed for total urinary protein loss and serum creatinine, while the best antioxidant effect was exerted by a lower dose, which increased catalase activity and decreased lipid peroxidation in the kidneys.

CONCLUSIONS

Results demonstrated that C. pentadactylon methanolic flower's extract improves renal function through antioxidant mechanisms during experimental diabetes.

Phytochemical Analysis and Biological Activities of Ripe Fruits of Mistletoe (Psittacanthus calyculatus)

Psittacanthus calyculatus is a hemiparasitic plant of an arboreal species (e.g., forest, fruit trees). Its foliage has therapeutic potential; however, little is known about its fruits. In this study, the phytochemical profile and biological activities of P. calyculatus fruits hosted by Prosopis laevigata and Quercus deserticola were evaluated. The fruits of P. calyculatus from P. laevigata showed the highest content of total phenols (71.396 ± 0.676 mg GAE/g DW). The highest content of flavonoids and anthocyanins was presented in those from Q. deserticola (14.232 ± 0.772 mg QE/g DW; 2.431 ± 0.020 mg C3GE/g DW). The anthocyanin cyanidin-3-glucoside was detected and quantified via high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) (306.682 ± 11.804 mg C3GE/g DW). Acidified extracts from host P. laevigata showed the highest antioxidant activity via ABTS^•+ (2,2'azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazdin-6-sulfonic acid) (214.810 ± 0.0802 mg TE/g DW). Fruit extracts with absolute ethanol from the P. laevigata host showed the highest antihypertensive activity (92 ± 3.054% inhibition of an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)). Fruit extracts from both hosts showed a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 6.25 mg/mL and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 12.5 mg/mL against Escherichia coli, Salmonella choleraesuis and Shigella flexneri. Interestingly, a significant host effect was found. P. calyculatus fruits extract could be used therapeutically. However, further confirmation experiments should be carried out.

Anticancer Potentials of the Lignan Magnolin: A Systematic Review

Magnolin is a naturally occurring, multi-bioactive lignan molecule with inherent anticancer effects. This study aims to summarize the botanical origins and anticancer properties of magnolin. For this, a recent (as of March 2023) literature review was conducted using various academic search engines, including PubMed, Springer Link, Wiley Online, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. All the currently available information about this phytochemical and its role in various cancer types has been gathered and investigated. Magnolin is a compound found in many different plants. It has been demonstrated to have anticancer activity in numerous experimental models by inhibiting the cell cycle (G1 and G2/M phase); inducing apoptosis; and causing antiinvasion, antimetastasis, and antiproliferative effects via the modulation of several pathways. In conclusion, magnolin showed robust anticancer activity against many cancer cell lines by altering several cancer signaling pathways in various non- and pre-clinical experimental models, making it a promising plant-derived chemotherapeutic option for further clinical research.

The Use of Medicinal Plants in Blood Vessel Diseases: The Influence of Gender

Data available in the literature on the use of herbal products to treat inflammation-related vascular diseases were considered in this study, while also assessing the influence of gender. To this end, the articles published in PubMed over the past 10 years that described the use of plant extracts in randomized clinical trials studying the effectiveness in vascular pathologies were analyzed. The difference in efficacy of plant-derived preparations in female and male subjects was always considered when reporting. The safety profiles of the selected plants were described, reporting unwanted effects in humans and also by searching the WHO database (VigiBase^®). The medicinal plants considered were Allium sativum, Campomanesia xanthocarpa, Sechium edule, Terminalia chebula. Additionally, an innovative type of preparation consisting of plant-derived nanovesicles was also reported.

Vasorelaxant Effect of Trachelospermi caulis Extract on Rat Mesenteric Resistance Arteries

Background: Trachelospermi caulis (T. caulis) has been used as a traditional herbal medicine in Asian countries. Although it is well known that T. caulis has beneficial effects, no sufficient research data are available on the cardiovascular effect of T. caulis. We investigated whether T. caulis extract has vascular effects in rat resistance arteries in this study. Methods: To examine whether T. caulis extract affects vascular reactivity, we measured isometric tension of rat mesenteric resistance arteries using a multi-wire myograph system. T. caulis extract was administered after arteries were pre-contracted with high K⁺ (70 mM) or phenylephrine (5 µM). Vanillin, a single active component of T. caulis, was used to treat mesenteric arteries. Results: T. caulis extract caused vascular relaxation in a concentration-dependent manner, which was endothelium-independent. To further identify the mechanism, we incubated the arteries in Ca²⁺-free solution containing high K⁺, followed by a cumulative administration of CaCl₂ (0.01–2.0 mM) with or without T. caulis extract (250 µg/mL). The treatment of T. caulis extract decreased contractile responses induced by the addition of Ca²⁺, which suggested that the extracellular Ca²⁺ influx was inhibited by the T. caulis extract. Moreover, an active compound of T. caulis extract, vanillin, also induced vasodilation in mesenteric resistance arteries. Conclusion: T. caulis extract and its active compound, vanillin, concentration-dependently induced vascular relaxation in mesenteric resistance arteries. These results suggest that the administration of T. caulis extract could help decrease blood pressure.

Development of a quantified herbal extract of hawthorn Crataegus mexicana leaves with vasodilator effect

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) has been used for the treatment of several heart diseases and hypertension. The studies carried out on several hawthorn species have led to the development of standardized extracts useful in the cure of mild chronic cardiac diseases.

In Mexico, the most common Crataegus species are C. mexicana and C. gracilior. Decoctions prepared from the fruits and leaves of these species have been employed to the treat respiratory diseases, tachycardia and to improve coronary blood flow. Considering that to date there are no reports of the use of Mexican Crataegus species to treat cardiovascular diseases, we propose an analytical method to obtain a quantified extract of Crataegus mexicana leaves for the development of a standardized extract with therapeutic value in cardiovascular diseases as an alternative source to the extracts obtained from Crataegus species of European and Asian origin.

Therefore, the aim of this study was to obtain an extract prepared from C. mexicana leaves with the highest vasodilator activity to select the optimal chemical marker to stablish and validate a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RPHPLC-DAD) analytical method for obtaining a quantified extract with vasodilator effect.

The results obtained from the analytical method validation, which was carried out according to the guidelines stablished in the Eurachem Guide and the ICH guidelines proved that the RPHPLC-DAD method we developed was specific, precise, accurate, and showed good linearity over the concentration range of 3 – 21 µg/ml for (-)-epicatechin and rutin, which were selected as chemical markers.

Endothelial TRP channels and cannabinoid receptors are involved in affinin-induced vasodilation

Affinin is mainly recognized by its antinociceptive effect. Recently, our research group demonstrated that this compound produces vasodilation via activation of the gasotransmitters signaling pathways. However, the molecular targets of affinin were not identified. Considering the structural similarity of this alkamide with anandamide, we hypothesized that affinin-induced vasodilation could involve participation of TRP channels and cannabinoid receptors. In this work, by using the isolated rat aorta assay, we assessed involvement of TRP channels, the cannabinoid system, and the HNO-CGRP-TRPA₁ pathway on the mechanism of action of affinin. Additionally, we measured NO and H₂S levels elicited by affinin on rat aorta homogenates and carried out computer simulations of molecular interactions between affinin and the TRPA₁ and TRPV₁ channels and the CB₁ receptor. Our results indicated that affinin induces an increase in aortic NO and H₂S levels. We found evidence that the vasodilator effect induced by affinin involves activation of TRPA₁ and TRPV₁ channels and the CB₁ and eCB receptors. In silico analyses showed that affinin is able to bind with high affinity to these molecular targets. Moreover, we also proved that affinin-induced vasodilation is partly mediated via activation of the HNO-TRPA₁-CGRP pathway. Based on these results we propose a novel mechanism of action to explain the vasodilatory effect of affinin, which could be developed as an alternative drug to treat cardiovascular diseases.

A Systematic Approach to Agastache mexicana Research: Biology, Agronomy, Phytochemistry, and Bioactivity

Mexico is the center of origin of the species popularly known as toronjil or lemon balm (Agastache mexicana Linton & Epling). Two subspecies have been identified and are commonly called purple or red (Agastache mexicana Linton & Epling subspecies. mexicana) and white (Agastache mexicana subspecies xolocotziana Bye, E.L. Linares & Ramamoorthy). Plants from these subspecies differ in the size and form of inflorescence and leaves. They also possess differences in their chemical compositions, including volatile compounds. Traditional Mexican medicine employs both subspecies. A. mexicana exhibits a broad range of pharmacological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and antioxidant. A systematic vision of these plant’s properties is discussed in this review, exposing its significant potential as a source of valuable bioactive compounds. Furthermore, this review provides an understanding of the elements that make up the species’ holistic system to benefit from lemon balm sustainably.

Mexican Plants and Derivates Compounds as Alternative for Inflammatory and Neuropathic Pain Treatment-A Review

Despite the availability of many anti-pain drugs, in the form of NSAIDs, steroids, gabapentinoids, opioids, and antidepressants, in this study we address the natural compounds belonging to the group of Mexican medicinal plants or "Mexican folk medicine", used for pain management in Mexico. Our interest in this subject is due to the growing idea that "natural is harmless" and to the large number of side effects exhibited in pharmacotherapy. The objective of this review was to document the scientific evidence about Mexican medicinal plants and their derivatives used for inflammatory and neuropathic pain treatment, as well as the mechanisms of action implicated in their antinociceptive effects, their possible adverse effects, and the main pharmacological aspects of each plant or compound. Our data review suggested that most studies on Mexican medicinal plants have used inflammatory experimental models for testing. The anti-pain properties exerted by medicinal plants lack adverse effects, and their toxicological assays report that they are safe to consume; therefore, more studies should be performed on preclinical neuropathic pain models. Moreover, there is no convincing evidence about the possible mechanisms of action involved in the anti-pain properties exerted by Mexican plants. Therefore, the isolation and pharmacological characterization of these plant derivatives' compounds will be important in the design of future preclinical studies.

Biomedical Implications of Plant-Based Principles as Antidepressants: Prospects for Novel Drug Development

BACKGROUND

Depression is a most common mental disorder. The symptoms of depression include loss of energy, changes in appetite, more or less sleep, anxiety, low concentration, uncertainty, restlessness, feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or despair, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide. In order to provide safe, efficient and cost-effective medication, the plants based principles in isolation or in combination with traditional antidepressants are attracting increasing attention for depression therapy.

METHOD

The information regarding the present review and its contents such as collected from published literature materials in different international journals. We have used different search engines such as PubMed, Medline, ResearchGate Google Semantic Scholar and ScienceDirect. For this purpose, the data obtained were properly organized and suitably analyzed to include in this article.

RESULTS

Most of the phytomolecules isolated from the medicinal plants display antidepressant effect through the synaptic regulation of levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline in different parts of the brain. The mechanism of action of phytomolecules also involves negative regulation of the activities of monoamine oxidase (MAO) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and prevention of hyperactivity of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. In addition, the strong antioxidative and antiinflamatory potential of these phytochemicals offer synergy to their antidepressant as well as antipsychosomatic functions.

CONCLUSION

The application of phytochemicals has proved it to be a safe, cost effective and efficient therapeutic agent to treat the patients suffering from mild to severe state of depression and other psychiatric disorders. The potential phytochemicals may be further optimized using in silico tools to develop better antidepressants and antisychotic agents in future.

Ethnomedicinal Plants Used for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases by Healers in the Southwestern State of Paraná, Brazil, and Their Validation Based on Scientific Pharmacological Data

Cardiovascular diseases are responsible for high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Among treatment options, medicinal plants are frequently used, especially in developing countries, such as Brazil. Despite social development that has been observed in the last decades, the use of medicinal plants is still driven by popular knowledge, especially by healers. The present study sought to identify medicinal species that are used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases by healers in the microregion of Francisco Beltrão, Paraná, Brazil. The snowball technique was used to select informants, and data were collected through interviews. The research was performed in two stages: (1) a structured interview and (2) the collection and botanical identification of the species that were mentioned by the healers. Medicinal plants were classified into the following categories of cardiovascular agents: hypotensive and antihypertensive agents, lipid-lowering agents, diuretic agents, and cardiotonic agents. To analyze the data, the frequency was determined, Spearman correlations were calculated, and the informant consensus factor (ICF) and use value were obtained. Some characteristics, such as female gender and old age, were associated with knowledge about medicinal plants. Overall, 77 different species and 149 medicinal uses were cited by the healers. With regard to categories of use, the highest number of species was found among lipid-lowering plants, and the highest ICF was found for species that are used as cardiotonics. Moreover, a literature review indicated that among the cited species, several still lack studies that have proven their effects on the cardiovascular system. The traditional use of medicinal plants for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases is broad in the study regions. The present results are important for clarifying popular knowledge in this region and providing a framework for selecting species with potential for the development of new pharmacological studies.

Edible Leafy Plants from Mexico as Sources of Antioxidant Compounds, and Their Nutritional, Nutraceutical and Antimicrobial Potential: A Review

A review of indigenous Mexican plants with edible stems and leaves and their nutritional and nutraceutical potential was conducted, complemented by the authors' experiences. In Mexico, more than 250 species with edible stems, leaves, vines and flowers, known as "quelites," are collected or are cultivated and consumed. The assessment of the quelite composition depends on the chemical characteristics of the compounds being evaluated; the protein quality is a direct function of the amino acid content, which is evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the contribution of minerals is evaluated by atomic absorption spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) or ICP mass spectrometry. The total contents of phenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, saponins and other general compounds have been analyzed using UV-vis spectrophotometry and by HPLC. For the determination of specific compounds such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, organic acids and other profiles, it is recommended to use HPLC-DAD, UHPLC-DAD, UFLC-PDA or gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The current biochemical analysis and biological evaluations were performed to understand the mechanisms of action that lead to decreased glucose levels and lipid peroxidation, increased hypoglycemic and antitumor activity, immune system improvement, increased antibacterial and antifungal activity and, in some cases, anti-Helicobacter pylori activity.

Dracocephalum moldavica L. Extracts Protect H9c2 Cardiomyocytes against H2O2-Induced Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress

Materials and Methods

The petroleum ether (petrol), dichloromethane (CH₂Cl₂), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and n-butyl alcohol (n-BuOH) fractions were isolated from alcohol extracts of D. moldavica L. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents and in vitro antioxidant activities of different fractions were evaluated. H9c2 cells were then treated with D. moldavica L. extracts before challenging with H₂O₂. Cell viability was determined by colorimetric assay, and ELISA was used to measure the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Apoptosis levels and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured by flow cytometry. The expressions of cell apoptosis regulatory proteins caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2 were determined by western blotting.

Results

Our results demonstrated that the EtOAc fraction from D. moldavica L. ethanol extract, which is rich in phenolic and flavonoid active constituents, had the strongest free radical scavenging activity. Additionally, this fraction increased H₂O₂-induced reduction in cell viability, SOD activity, and mitochondrial membrane potential. It also reduced H₂O₂-induced elevation in ROS production, contents of LDH and MDA, and H9c2 apoptosis. We further found that the EtOAc fraction increased Bcl-2 expression, while it decreased caspase-3 and Bax expressions induced by H₂O₂ in H9c2 cells.

Conclusions

Our data revealed that the EtOAc fraction from D. moldavica L. ethanol extract ameliorates H₂O₂-induced cardiotoxicity via antiapoptotic and antioxidant mechanisms.

Marjoram Relaxes Rat Thoracic Aorta Via a PI3-K/eNOS/cGMP Pathway

Despite pharmacotherapeutic advances, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the primary cause of global mortality. Alternative approaches, such as herbal medicine, continue to be sought to reduce this burden. Origanum majorana is recognized for many medicinal values, yet its vasculoprotective effects remain poorly investigated. Here, we subjected rat thoracic aortae to increasing doses of an ethanolic extract of Origanum majorana (OME). OME induced relaxation in a dose-dependent manner in endothelium-intact rings. This relaxation was significantly blunted in denuded rings. N(ω)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) or 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3,-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) significantly reduced the OME-induced vasorelaxation. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels were also increased by OME. Moreover, wortmannin or LY294002 significantly reduced OME-induced vasorelaxation. Blockers of ATP-sensitive or Ca²⁺-activated potassium channels such as glibenclamide or tetraethylamonium (TEA), respectively, did not significantly affect OME-induced relaxation. Similarly, verapamil, a Ca²⁺ channel blocker, indomethacin, a non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor, and pyrilamine, a H1 histamine receptor blocker, did not significantly modulate the observed relaxation. Taken together, our results show that OME induces vasorelaxation via an endothelium-dependent mechanism involving the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-K)/ endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS)/cGMP pathway. Our findings further support the medicinal value of marjoram and provide a basis for its beneficial intake. Although consuming marjoram may have an antihypertensive effect, further studies are needed to better determine its effects in different vascular beds.

The Genus Solanum: An Ethnopharmacological, Phytochemical and Biological Properties Review

Over the past 30 years, the genus Solanum has received considerable attention in chemical and biological studies. Solanum is the largest genus in the family Solanaceae, comprising of about 2000 species distributed in the subtropical and tropical regions of Africa, Australia, and parts of Asia, e.g., China, India and Japan. Many of them are economically significant species. Previous phytochemical investigations on Solanum species led to the identification of steroidal saponins, steroidal alkaloids, terpenes, flavonoids, lignans, sterols, phenolic comopunds, coumarins, amongst other compounds. Many species belonging to this genus present huge range of pharmacological activities such as cytotoxicity to different tumors as breast cancer (4T1 and EMT), colorectal cancer (HCT116, HT29, and SW480), and prostate cancer (DU145) cell lines. The biological activities have been attributed to a number of steroidal saponins, steroidal alkaloids and phenols. This review features 65 phytochemically studied species of Solanum between 1990 and 2018, fetched from SciFinder, Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Wikipedia and Baidu, using "Solanum" and the species' names as search terms ("all fields").

Chemistry and Biology of Selected Mexican Medicinal Plants

Herbal medicines are an integral element of alternative medical care in Mexico, and the best testimony to their efficacy and cultural value is their persistence in contemporary Mexican marketplaces where the highest percentages of medicinal and aromatic plants are sold. This chapter summarizes current trends in research on medicinal plants in Mexico, with emphasis on work carried out at the authors' laboratories. The most relevant phytochemical and pharmacological profiles of a selected group of plants used widely for treating major national health problems are described.From this contribution, it is evident that in the last five decades a significant amount of research on medicinal plants has been performed by Mexican scientists. Such efforts have led to the publication of many research papers in noted peer-reviewed journals and technical books. The isolation and structural characterization of hundreds of bioactive secondary metabolites have been accomplished, and most importantly, these studies have tended to support the ethnomedical uses of many different species. A multidisciplinary approach for investigating these plants has led to an increased emphasis on areas such as phytopharmacology, phytotoxicology, quality control, regulation, and conservation issues for these valuable resources. The medicinal plants analyzed so far have shown a very broad chemical diversity of their constituents, which have a high potential for exhibiting novel mechanistic effects biologically. The chapter shows also that there is need to conduct additional clinical studies on herbal drugs, in particular because the longstanding traditional evidence for their safety is not always sufficient to assure their rational use. There is also need to move to "omics" approaches for investigating the holistic effect and the influence of groups of phytochemicals on the whole organism. Mexican scientists may be expected to have bright prospects in this regard, which will imbue medicinal plant research with a new dynamism in the future.

The predictive utility of the plant phylogeny in identifying sources of cardiovascular drugs

CONTEXT

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of death globally, responsible for over 17 million (31%) deaths in the world. Novel pharmacological interventions may be needed given the high prevalence of CVD.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to find potential new sources of cardiovascular (CV) drugs from phylogenetic and pharmacological analyses of plant species that have experimental and traditional CV applications in the literature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reconstructed the molecular phylogeny of these plant species and mapped their pharmacological mechanisms of action on the phylogeny.

RESULTS

Out of 139 plant species in 71 plant families, seven plant families with 45 species emerged as phylogenetically important exhibiting common CV mechanisms of action within the family, as would be expected given their common ancestry: Apiaceae, Brassicaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Malvaceae, Rosaceae and Zingiberaceae. Apiaceae and Brassicaceae promoted diuresis and hypotension; Fabaceae and Lamiaceae had anticoagulant/thrombolytic effects; Apiaceae and Zingiberaceae were calcium channel blockers. Moreover, Apiaceae, Lamiaceae, Malvaceae, Rosaceae and Zingiberaceae species were found to possess anti-atherosclerotic properties.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

The phylogeny identified certain plant families with disproportionately more species, highlighting their importance as sources of natural products for CV drug discovery. Though there were some species that did not show the same mechanism within the family, the phylogeny predicts that these species may contain undiscovered phytochemistry, and potentially, the same bioactivity. Evolutionary pharmacology, as applied here, may guide and expedite our efforts in discovering sources of new CV drugs.

Endothelium-independent and calcium channel-dependent relaxation of the porcine cerebral artery by different species and strains of turmeric

Objective

To clarify the underlying mechanism of turmeric, which is traditionally used as a medicinal plant for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders, such as hypertension, and palpitations.

Methods

Methanol extracts of different turmeric were used. A tissue-organ-bath system was used to investigate the vasoactive effects of methanol extracts from 5 kinds of turmeric on isolated porcine basilar arteries. The arterial rings were suspended in physiological solution that was maintained at 37 °C temperature with a continuous supply of 95% O₂ and 5% CO₂.

Results

All turmeric extracts (20–800 μg/mL) induced concentration-dependent relaxation of the isolated porcine basilar artery pre-contracted with U46619 (1-5 × 10⁻⁹ M) in arterial rings with or without endothelium. There were no significant differences in the relaxation induced by different turmeric or between the endothelium-intact and denuded arteries. In depolarized, Ca²⁺-free medium, the turmeric extracts inhibited CaCl₂-induced contractions and caused a concentration-dependent rightward shift of the response curves. In addition, propranolol (a non-specific β-adrenoceptor antagonist) slightly inhibited the relaxation induced by turmeric. In contrast, Nω-nitro-l-arginine, indomethacin, tetraethylammonium, glibenclamide and 4-aminopyridine did not affect turmeric-induced relaxation.

Conclusion

These results demonstrated that turmeric induced endothelium-independent relaxation of the porcine basilar artery, which may be due to the inhibition of extracellular and intracellular Ca²⁺ receptors and the partial inhibition of β-adrenergic receptors in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Acetone fraction from Sechium edule (Jacq.) S.w. edible roots exhibits anti-endothelial dysfunction activity

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

A recent ethnomedical survey on medicinal plants grown in Mexico revealed that Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw. (Cucurbitaceae) is one of the most valued plant species to treat cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension. Fruits, young leaves, buds, stems, and tuberous roots of the plant are edible. Considering that endothelial dysfunction induced by Angiotensin II plays an important role in the pathogenesis of hypertension and is accompanied by a prooxidative condition, which in turn induces an inflammatory state, vascular remodeling, and tissue damage, and that S. edule has been reported to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antihypertensive activity, its capability to control endothelial dysfunction was also assessed.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To assess in vivo the anti-endothelial dysfunction activity of the acetone fraction (rSe-ACE) of the hydroalcoholic extract from S. edule roots.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Endothelial dysfunction was induced in female C57BL/6 J mice by a daily intraperitoneal injection of angiotensin II for 10 weeks. Either rSe-ACE or losartan (as a control) were co-administered with angiotensin II for the same period. Blood pressure was measured at weeks 0, 5, and 10. Kidney extracts were prepared to determine IL1β, IL4, IL6, IL10, IL17, IFNγ, TNFα, and TGFβ levels by ELISA, along with the prooxidative status as assessed by the activity of antioxidant enzymes. The expression of ICAM-1 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in kidney histological sections. Kidney and hepatic damage, as well as vascular tissue remodeling, were studied.

RESULTS

The rSe-ACE fraction administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg was able to control hypertension, as well as the prooxidative and proinflammatory status in kidney as efficiently as losartan, returning mice to normotensive levels. Additionally, the fraction was more efficient than losartan to prevent liver and kidney damage. Phytochemical characterization identified cinnamic acid as a major compound, and linoleic, palmitic, and myristic acids as the most abundant non-polar components in the mixture, previously reported to aid in the control of hypertension, inflammation, and oxidative stress, three important components of endothelial dysfunction.

IN CONCLUSION

this study demonstrated that rSe-ACE has anti-endothelial dysfunction activity in an experimental model and highlights the role of cinnamic acid and fatty acids in the observed effects.

Vasodilator Activity of Compounds Isolated from Plants Used in Mexican Traditional Medicine

Arterial hypertension is one of the main risk factors in the development of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is important to look for new drugs to treat hypertension. In this study, we carried out the screening of 19 compounds (triterpenes, diterpenes, sesquiterpenes, lignans, and flavonoids) isolated from 10 plants used in Mexican traditional medicine to determine whether they elicited vascular smooth muscle relaxation and, therefore, could represent novel anti-hypertension drug candidates. The vasorelaxant activity of these compounds was evaluated on the isolated rat aorta assay and the results obtained from this evaluation showed that three compounds induced a significant vasodilatory effect: meso-dihydroguaiaretic acid [half maximal effective concentration (EC₅₀), 49.9 ± 11.2 µM; maximum effect (Emax), 99.8 ± 2.7%]; corosolic acid (EC₅₀, 108.9 ± 6.7 µM; Emax, 96.4 ± 4.2%); and 5,8,4′-trihydroxy-3,7-dimethoxyflavone (EC₅₀, 122.3 ± 7.6 µM; Emax, 99.5 ± 5.4%). Subsequently, involvement of the NO/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and H₂S/ATP-sensitive potassium channel (K_ATP) pathways on the vasodilator activity of these compounds was assessed. The results derived from this analysis showed that the activation of both pathways contributes to the vasorelaxant effect of corosolic acid. On the other hand, the vasodilator effect of meso-dihydroguaiaretic acid and 5,8,4′-trihydroxy-3,7-dimethoxyflavone, partly involves stimulation of the NO/cGMP pathway. However, these compounds also showed an important endothelium-independent vasorelaxant effect, whose mechanism of action remains to be clarified. This study indicates that meso-dihydroguaiaretic acid, corosolic acid, and 5,8,4′-trihydroxy-3,7-dimethoxyflavone could be used as lead compounds for the synthesis of new derivatives with a higher potency to be developed as drugs for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Magnolin promotes autophagy and cell cycle arrest via blocking LIF/Stat3/Mcl-1 axis in human colorectal cancers

Magnolin is a multi-bioactive natural compound that possesses underlying anti-cancer properties. However, the mechanisms underlying remain to be elucidated. Here, we report the role of magnolin in suppressing human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells via activating autophagy and cell cycle arrest in vitro and in vivo. Pre-treatment of cells with specific autophagy inhibitor (3-methyladenine) or knockdown of endogenous LC-3B by siRNA significantly abrogates magnolin-induced cell cycle arrest. Molecular validation mechanistically shows that magnolin-induced autophagy and cell cycle arrest in CRC cells is correlated with decreased transcriptional levels of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and we further find that inhibition of LIF decreases phosphorylation level of Stat3 and represses transcriptional expression of Mcl-1. Furthermore, magnolin-induced autophagy and cell cycle arrest suppress the growth of xenograft colorectal tumors without apparent toxicity. Finally, we evaluate the clinical correlation of LIF/Stat3/Mcl-1 in CRC patient tissues. As expected, LIF, p-Stat3, and Mcl-1 levels are high in CRC tissue but are scarcely found in normal colon tissue. High positive expressions of LIF or Mcl-1 are associated with poor prognosis. Doubly positive cases have shown the worst outcome. Taken together, our results have clarified a novel molecular mechanism whereby magnolin induces autophagy and cell cycle arrest through LIF/Stat3/Mcl-1 pathway in CRCs. Our results also have revealed that magnolin has a promising therapeutic potential in CRCs.

Data of the effects of acetone fraction from Sechium edule (Jacq.) S.w. edible roots in the kidney of endothelial dysfunction induced mice

Endothelial dysfunction induced by Angiotensin II (AG II) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of hypertension and is accompanied by a prooxidative condition, which in turn induces an inflammatory state, vascular remodeling, and tissue damage including the kidney (Schmitt and Dirsch, 2009) [1]. New drugs that can control several of these pathologies are required. Sechium edule has been reported to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antihypertensive activity (Ibarra-Alvarado et al., 2010) [2]. This paper contains data complementary to those published in Journal of Ethnopharmacology (Moreno et al., 2018) [3], evaluating the effect in kidney of hypertensive mice of the acetone fraction from S. edule to control de pro-oxidative state, reduction of the inflammatory adhesion molecule (ICAM) and recruitment of inflammatory cells.

Mechanism of action of relaxant effect of Agastache mexicana ssp.mexicana essential oil in guinea-pig trachea smooth muscle

CONTEXT

Agastache mexicana ssp. mexicana (Kunth) Lint & Epling (Lamiaceae), popularly known as 'toronjil morado', is used in Mexican traditional medicine for the treatment of several diseases such as hypertension, anxiety and respiratory disorders.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates the relaxant action mechanism of A. mexicana ssp. mexicana essential oil (AMEO) in guinea-pig isolated trachea model.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

AMEO was analyzed by GC/MS. The relaxant effect of AMEO (5-50 μg/mL) was tested in guinea-pig trachea pre-contracted with carbachol (3 × 10 ^- 6 M) or histamine (3 × 10 ^- 5 M) in the presence or absence of glibenclamide (10 ^- 5 M), propranolol (3 × 10 ^- 6 M) or 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine (10 ^- 5 M). The antagonist effect of AMEO (10-300 μg/mL) against contractions elicited by carbachol (10 ^- 15-10 ^- 3 M), histamine (10 ^- 15-10 ^- 3 M) or calcium (10-300 μg/mL) was evaluated.

RESULTS

Essential oil composition was estragole, d-limonene and linalyl anthranilate. AMEO relaxed the carbachol (EC₅₀=18.25 ± 1.03 μg/mL) and histamine (EC₅₀=13.3 ± 1.02 μg/mL)-induced contractions. The relaxant effect of AMEO was not modified by the presence of propranolol, glibenclamide or 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine, suggesting that effect of AMEO is not related to β₂-adrenergic receptors, ATP-sensitive potassium channels or adenylate cyclase activation. AMEO was more potent to antagonize histamine (pA₂' = -1.507 ± 0.122) than carbachol (pA₂' = -2.180 ± 0.357). Also, AMEO antagonized the calcium chloride-induced contractions.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that relaxant effect of AMEO might be due to blockade of calcium influx in guinea-pig trachea smooth muscle. It is possible that estragole and d-limonene could contribute majority in the relaxant effect of AMEO.

Vasorelaxant effects of Angelica decursiva root on isolated rat aortic rings

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and a worldwide problem. Despite increases in the development of synthetic drugs for hypertension treatment, the rate of untreated and uncontrolled hypertension remains high. These drugs are effective, but can also cause side effects. Approximately 80% of the world population uses herbal medicines because of their low toxicity and better acceptability by the human body. Therefore, we attempted to identify natural medications for treating hypertension. The 70% ethanol extract of Angelica decursiva root (ADE) shows strong vasorelaxant potential, but no studies have investigated the mechanisms underlying the vasorelaxation effect of A. decursiva.

METHODS

Dried root of A. decursiva was identified by DNA sequencing and was extracted once with 1 L 70% ethanol (EtOH) for 3 h in a reflux apparatus at 70 °C. ADE was evaluated for its vasorelaxant effects in rat thoracic aortas. Various inhibitors of ADE-induced vasorelaxation were used.

RESULTS

ADE showed vasorelaxant effects on the intact and denuded endothelium of aortic rings pre-contracted with phenylephrine and KCl in Krebs-Henseleit solution. Tetraethylammonium and 4-aminopyridine did not alter ADE-induced vasorelaxation. However, the vasorelaxant effect of ADE was partially inhibited by pre-treatment with glibenclamide an ATP-sensitive K+ channel blocker. Furthermore, ADE concentration-dependently inhibited Ca2+ supplementation-induced vasoconstriction of aortic rings that had been pretreated with phenylephrine or KCl in Ca2+-free Krebs-Henseleit solution.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that ADE-induced vasorelaxation occurred in an endothelium-independent manner. The vasorelaxant effects of ADE were correlated with blockade of the KATP channel and inhibition of Ca2+ influx via receptor-operative Ca2+ channels or voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels.

Genetic characterization of chayote [Sechium edule (Jacq.) Swartz.] landraces of North Eastern Hills of India and conservation measure

Chayote or chow-chow is an underutilized cucurbit vegetable crop, widely cultivated by farmers in the backyards and Jhum lands for its tender leaves, fruits and tuberous root. In order to initiate crop improvement program in this crop, the present study was undertaken to assess the genetic variations in the 74 chow-chow landraces collected from the North Eastern Hill region of India. Wide variations for fruit colors, fruit length (6.5-21.5 cm), fruit width (4.2-10.7 cm), fruit weight (60-560 g), vitamin-C (2.6-13.8 mg/100 g), reducing sugar (0.18-2.77%), total sugar (1.09-2.94%) and phenol content (0.17-3.85 mg/100 g FW) were recorded among the landraces. All the landraces were also characterized using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. In RAPD analyses, out of 28 primers a total of 198 reproducible amplicons were formed at an average of 7.01 per primer and an overall polymorphism of 88.38%. Eight fragments were specific to landraces with light green fruits. Four fragments were observed to be specific to RCSC-22 (dark green fruits) and another four specific to a RCSC-30 (pale yellow fruits). Out of 30 ISSR, only 5 primers generated a total of 32 reproducible amplicons with an average of 6.4 per primer and overall polymorphism of 62.5%. The pair wise similarity coefficient values ranged from 0.55 to 0.96. The grouping of landraces in cluster analysis was found to be independent of their respective geographic locations. The cuttings of suckers and shoot top (2 months old) treated with indole-3-butyric acid (200 mg l^-1) provide an alternative for the conservation of the diverse genetic materials to the researchers.

HSYA alleviates secondary neuronal death through attenuating oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and neural apoptosis in SD rat spinal cord compression injury

Background

Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) is a major active component of yellow pigment extracted from safflowers; this compound possesses potent neuroprotective effects both in vitro and in vivo. However, underlying mechanism of HSYA is not fully elucidated. The present study investigated the protective effects of HSYA in rat spinal cord compression injury model and related mechanisms involved.

Methods

Sprague–Dawley rats were divided as Sham, Control, and HSYA groups (n = 30 per group). Spinal cord injury (SCI) model was induced by application of vascular clips (force of 50 g, 1 min) to the dura at T9–T10 level of vertebra. Injured animals were administered with either HSYA (8 mg/kg at 1 and 6 h after injury, then 14 mg/kg, for a total of 7 days at 24-h time intervals) or equal volume of saline by intraperitoneal injection.

Results

From this experiment, we discovered that SCI in rats resulted in severe trauma, which is characterized by tissue damage, lipid peroxidation, neutrophil infiltration, inflammation mediator release, and neuronal apoptosis. However, HSYA treatment significantly reduced the following: (1) degree of tissue injury (histological score) and edema; (2) neutrophil infiltration (myeloperoxidase activity); (3) oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide); (4) pro-inflammatory cytokine expression (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2); (5) nuclear factor-κB activation; (6) apoptosis (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining and cysteine-aspartic protease-3 activity). Moreover, in a separate set of experiments, we clearly demonstrated that HSYA treatment significantly ameliorated recovery of limb function (as evaluated by Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan behavioral recovery scores).

Conclusions

Treatment with HSYA restrains development of oxidative stress, inflammation response, and apoptotic events associated with SCI of rats, demonstrating that HSYA is a potential neuroprotectant for human SCI therapy.

Standardization and anti-inflammatory activity of aqueous extract of Psittacanthus plagiophyllus Eichl. (Loranthaceae)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE

The hemiparasitic species Psittacanthus plagiophyllus Eichl. (Loranthaceae), also known as erva de passarinho, is used in folk medicine in the Santarém region in the state of Pará, Brazil, to treat gastritis and a variety of inflammatory disorders. In view of the lack of pharmacological studies on this species in the literature and the fact that it is used constantly by the local population, this study sought to standardize the extract of the leaves of P. plagiophyllus (AEPp) and to assess its anti-inflammatory potential in in vivo tests.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Quality control and standardization of AEPp were performed following the 5th edition of the Brazilian Pharmacopeia. To assess the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of AEPp, the carrageenan-induced and dextran-induced rat paw edema models were initially used. To investigate the effect of AEPp on carrageenan-induced leukocyte recruitment and exudate production, the air pouch inflammation model was used. In addition, the antioxidant activity of AEPp was assessed in vitro by the DPPH radical scavenging method.

RESULTS

The chromatographic profile of AEPp indicated the presence of flavonoids, coumarins and hydrolyzable and condensed tannins. Measurement of phenolics revealed the following percentages in the extract: 12.62±0.18% total phenolics, 5.39±0.01% total tannins, 12.54±0.24% hydrolyzable tannins, 8.37±0.32% condensed tannins and 1.23±0.02% total flavonoids. In 500 and 1000mg/kg doses (p.o.) AEPp had significant edema-inhibiting activity (p<0.01) in both the models used, suggesting that the extract may act in vascular and cell events in the inflammatory response and exert an inhibitory effect on mediators responsible for edema. In all the doses tested [250, 500 and 1000mg/kg (p.o.)], AEPp inhibited total leukocyte and neutrophil migration and reduced the amount of exudate in the air pouch in a dose-dependent manner. Both effects were statistically significant (p<0.01). The extract also reduced the DPPH radical (maximum reduction 93.13±1.71% at a concentration of 75µg/mL), indicating that it has antioxidant activity. AEPp, therefore, exhibited considerable in vivo anti-inflammatory activity and in vitro antioxidant activity. This may be due to its high phenolics content.

CONCLUSION

These findings provide evidence to support the use of P. plagiophyllus in folk medicine to treat inflammatory disorders.

Affinin (Spilanthol), Isolated from Heliopsis longipes, Induces Vasodilation via Activation of Gasotransmitters and Prostacyclin Signaling Pathways

Heliopsis longipes roots have been widely used in Mexican traditional medicine to relieve pain, mainly, toothaches. Previous studies have shown that affinin, the major alkamide of these roots, induces potent antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the effect of H. longipes root extracts and affinin on the cardiovascular system have not been investigated so far. In the present study, we demonstrated that the dichloromethane and ethanolic extracts of H. longipes roots, and affinin, isolated from these roots, produce a concentration-dependent vasodilation of rat aorta. Affinin-induced vasorelaxation was partly dependent on the presence of endothelium and was significantly blocked in the presence of inhibitors of NO, H₂S, and CO synthesis (NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), dl-propargylglycine (PAG), and chromium mesoporphyrin (CrMP), respectively); K⁺ channel blockers (glibenclamide (Gli) and tetraethyl ammonium (TEA)), and guanylate cyclase and cyclooxygenase inhibitors (1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) and indomethacin (INDO), respectively). Our results demonstrate, for the first time, that affinin induces vasodilation by mechanisms that involve gasotransmitters, and prostacyclin signaling pathways. These findings indicate that this natural alkamide has therapeutic potential in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Spasmogenic and spasmolytic activities of Agastache mexicana ssp. mexicana and A. mexicana ssp. xolocotziana methanolic extracts on the guinea pig ileum

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Agastache mexicana has been used in traditional medicine for relief of abdominal pain and treatment of other diseases. Two subspecies have been identified: A. mexicana ssp. mexicana (AMM) and A. mexicana ssp. xolocotziana (AMX) and both are used traditionally without distinction or in combination.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To determine the effect of methanol extracts of A. mexicana ssp. mexicana and A. mexicana ssp. xolocotziana on gut motility and their possible mechanism of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effect of AMM and AMX methanol extracts were tested on the spontaneous activity in the isolated guinea pig ileum and on tissues pre-contracted with KCl, electrical field stimulation (EFS) or ACh. In addition, the possible mechanism of action of each subspecies on gut motility was analyzed in the presence of hexametonium, indomethacin, L-NAME, verapamil, atropine or pyrylamine. A comparative chromatographic profile of these extracts was also done to indicate the most abundant flavonoids presents in methanol extracts of both subspecies.

RESULTS

AMM, but not AMX, induced a contractile effect in the guinea pig ileum. This spasmogenic effect was partially inhibited by atropine, antagonist of muscarinic receptors; and pyrilamine, antagonist of H₁ receptors. In contrast, AMX, but not AMM, diminished the contractions induced by KCl, EFS or ACh. The spasmolytic activity of AMX was partially inhibited by hexamethonium, ganglionic blocker; and indomethacin, inhibitor of the synthesis of prostaglandins; but not by L-NAME, inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase. In addition, AMX diminished the maximal contraction induced by CaCl₂ in a calcium-free medium. Chromatographic analyses of these methanol extracts showed the presence of acacetin and tilanin in both.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that in folk medicine only AMX should be used as spasmolytic, and not in combination with AMM as traditionally occurs, due to the spasmogenic effects of the latter. In addition, activation of nicotinic receptors, prostaglandins and calcium channels, but not nitric oxide mechanisms, could be responsible for the spasmolytic activity of AMX. On the other hand, release of ACh and histamine could be involved in the spasmogenic effect induced by AMM. Acacetin and tilanin are present in methanol extracts of both subspecies and both flavonoids were more abundant in AMX than AMM. Our findings contribute to the validation of the traditional use of Agastache mexicana in relieving gastrointestinal disorders, but indicate that the subspecie that should be used for this effect is A. mexicana ssp. xolocotziana.

Vasorelaxant mode of action of dichloromethane-soluble extract from Agastache mexicana and its main bioactive compounds

CONTEXT

Agastache mexicana (Kunth) Lint & Epling (Lamiaceae) is a plant used in Mexican traditional medicine for the treatment of hypertension, anxiety and so on.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the vasorelaxant effect and functional mode of action of dichloromethane-soluble extract from A. mexicana (DEAm) and isolate the constituents responsible for the pharmacological activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Extracts were prepared from the aerial parts of A. mexicana (225.6 g) by successive maceration with hexane, dichloromethane and methanol (three times for 72 h at room temperature), respectively. DEAm (0.01-1000 μg/mL), fractions (at 174.27 μg/mL), acacetin and ursolic acid (UA) (0.5-500 μM) were evaluated to determine their vasorelaxant effect on ex vivo rat aorta ring model. In vivo UA antihypertensive action was determined on spontaneously hypertensive rats.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

DEAm induced a significant vasorelaxant effect in concentration-dependent and endothelium-independent manners (EC₅₀=174.276 ± 5.98 μg/mL) by a calcium channel blockade and potassium channel opening. Bio-guided fractionation allowed to isolate acacetin (112 mg), UA (2.830 g), acacetin/oleanolic acid (OA) (M1) (155 mg) and acacetin/OA/UA (M2) (1.382 g) mixtures, which also showed significant vasodilation. UA significantly diminished diastolic (80 mmHg) and systolic blood pressure (120 mmHg), but heart rate was not modified.

CONCLUSION

DEAm produced significant vasorelaxant action by myogenic control cation. The presence of acacetin, OA and UA into the extract was substantial for the relaxant activity of DEAm. In vivo antihypertensive action of UA corroborates the use of A. mexicana as an antihypertensive agent on Mexican folk medicine.

Endothelium-independent vasorelaxant effect of 20(S)-protopanaxadiol on isolated rat thoracic aorta

AIM

Ginsenosides are considered to be the major pharmacologically active ginseng constituents, whereas 20(S)-protopanaxadiol [20(S)-PPD] is the active metabolite of ginsenosides in gut. In this study we investigated the effect of 20(S)-PPD on isolated rat thoracic aortas as well as its vasorelaxant mechanisms.

METHODS

Aortic rings with or without endothelium were prepared from Wistar rats and suspended in organ-chambers. The changes in tension of the preparations were recorded through isometric transducers connected to a data acquisition system. The aortic rings were precontracted with phenylephrine (PE, 1 μmol/L) or high-K⁺ (80 mmol/L).

RESULTS

Application of 20(S)-PPD (21.5-108.5 μmol/L) caused concentration-dependent vasodilation of endothelium-intact aortic rings precontracted with PE or high-K⁺, which resulted in the EC₅₀ values of 90.4 or 46.5 μmol/L, respectively. The removal of endothelium had no effect on 20(S)-PPD-induced relaxation. The vasorelaxant effect of 20(S)-PPD was also not influenced by the preincubation with β-adrenergic receptor antagonist propranolol, or with ATP-sensitive K⁺ channel blocker glibenclamide, voltage-dependent K⁺ channel blocker 4-AP and inward rectifier K⁺ channel blocker BaCl₂, whereas it was significantly attenuated by the preincubation with Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ (BK_Ca) channel blocker TEA (1 mmol/L). Furthermore, the inhibition of NO synthesis, cGMP and prostacyclin pathways did not affect the vasorelaxant effect of 20(S)-PPD. In Ca²⁺-free solution, 20(S)-PPD (108.5 μmol/L) markedly decreased the extracellular Ca²⁺-induced contraction in aortic rings precontracted with PE or high-K⁺ and reduced PE-induced transient contraction. Voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channel antagonist nifedipine inhibited PE-induced contraction; further inhibition was observed after the application of receptor-operated Ca²⁺ channel inhibitor SK&F 96365 or 20(S)-PPD.

CONCLUSION

20(S)-PPD induces vasorelaxation via an endothelium-independent pathway. The inhibition of voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channels and receptor-operated Ca²⁺ channels and the activation of Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channels are probably involved in the relaxation.

Role of Nitric Oxide and Hydrogen Sulfide in the Vasodilator Effect of Ursolic Acid and Uvaol from Black Cherry Prunus serotina Fruits

The present research aimed to isolate the non-polar secondary metabolites that produce the vasodilator effects induced by the dichloromethane extract of Prunus serotina (P. serotina) fruits and to determine whether the NO/cGMP and the H2S/KATP channel pathways are involved in their mechanism of action. A bioactivity-directed fractionation of the dichloromethane extract of P. serotina fruits led to the isolation of ursolic acid and uvaol as the main non-polar vasodilator compounds. These compounds showed significant relaxant effect on rat aortic rings in an endothelium- and concentration-dependent manner, which was inhibited by NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), DL-propargylglycine (PAG) and glibenclamide (Gli). Additionally, both triterpenes increased NO and H2S production in aortic tissue. Molecular docking studies showed that ursolic acid and uvaol are able to bind to endothelial NOS and CSE with high affinity for residues that form the oligomeric interface of both enzymes. These results suggest that the vasodilator effect produced by ursolic acid and uvaol contained in P. serotina fruits, involves activation of the NO/cGMP and H2S/KATP channel pathways, possibly through direct activation of NOS and CSE.

Endothelium-Independent Vasorelaxant Effect of Ligusticum jeholense Root and Rhizoma on Rat Thoracic Aorta

Ligusticum jeholense has been used as the traditional medicine ‘Go-Bon’ (Chinese name, Gao-ben) in China and Korea. Considering the increased use of medicinal herbs to treat hypertension, in this study, we aimed to investigate the mechanisms of the vasorelaxation effect caused by L. jeholense. We tested the methanol (MeOH) extract of L. jeholense root and rhizoma for vasorelaxant effects; while using an isolated organ-chamber technique, L. jeholense extract (LJE) induced relaxation in the rat aortic rings by stimulating vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells. LJE showed concentration-dependent relaxant effects on endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded aortic rings pre-contracted with both phenylephrine (PE) and potassium chloride (KCl) in Krebs-Henseleit (KH) buffer. The vasorelaxant effect of LJE was partly attenuated by pre-treatment with glibenclamide or 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) as K⁺ channel blockers. Moreover, LJE showed concentration-dependent inhibition of vasoconstriction by Ca²⁺ supplementation in the aortic rings that were pre-contracted with PE or KCl in Ca²⁺-free KH buffer. In addition, a combination of LJE and nifedipine, pre-incubated further, decreased PE-induced contractions. The results suggested that LJE-induced vasorelaxation were related to blocking K⁺ channels and inhibiting entry of extracellular Ca²⁺ via receptor-operative Ca²⁺ channels (ROCCs) or voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channels (VDCCs).

Depressant effects of Agastache mexicana methanol extract and one of major metabolites tilianin

OBJECTIVE

To determine the depressant-like effects and the possible mechanism of action of tilianin isolated from active methanol extract of Agastache mexicana (A. mexicana). Also, to establish the pharmacophoric requirements of tilianin, as a possible ligand of GABAA/BZD receptor, by the alignment of diazepam, CGS-9896 and diindole, using a previously described pharmacophoric model.

METHODS

Tilianin (30 to 300 mg/kg, ip. and 300 mg/kg, po.) and methanol crude extract (10 to 300 mg/kg, ip. and 300 mg/kg po.) from A. mexicana were evaluated for potential sedative and anxiolytic-like response drugs by using open-field, hole-board, cylinder of exploration, plus-maze and sodium pentobarbital-induced hypnosis mice methods.

RESULTS

Methanol extract and tilianin showed anxiolytic-like activity from a dosage of 30 mg/kg, ip. or 300 mg/kg, po. and were less potent than diazepam 0.1 mg/kg, a reference anxiolytic drug used. Moreover, depressant activity of both potentiates sodium pentobarbital (SP)-induced sleeping time. The anxiolytic-like effect of 30 mg/kg ip. observed for the extract and tilianin, by using the plus-maze model, was partially prevented in the presence of flumazenil (a GABAA/BZD antagonist, 5 mg/kg ip.) but not in the presence of WAY 100635 (a selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist, 0.32 mg/kg, ip.). Pharmacophoric modeling alignments of three agonist of GABAA/BZD allow identify seven chemical features. Tilianin contains six of the seven features previously determined.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicate that tilianin is one of the bioactive metabolites in the anxiolytic-like activity of A. mexicana, reinforcing its central nervous system uses, where GABAA/BZD, but not 5-HT1A, receptors are partially involved.

Simultaneous Determination of Six Active Compounds in Yixin Badiranjibuya Granules, a Traditional Chinese Medicine, by RP-HPLC-UV Method

In this study, a sensitive, precise, and accurate HPLC-UV method was developed and validated to simultaneously determine the six analytes (luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucuronide, apigenin-7-O-β-D-glucuronide, diosmetin-7-O-β-D-glucuronide, acacetin-7-O-β-D-glucuronide, tilianin, and rosmarinic acid) in Yixin Badiranjibuya Granules, in which five analytes (i.e., luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucuronide, apigenin-7-O-β-D-glucuronide, diosmetin-7-O-β-D-glucuronide, acacetin-7-O-β-D-glucuronide, and rosmarinic acid) were determined for the first time in Yixin Badiranjibuya Granules, the content of tilianin in Yixin Badiranjibuya Granules was reported in other literatures, and the content of tilianin in our work was higher than that of the literature reports. The quality of 11 batch samples from four different manufacturers was evaluated using the proposed determination method. The contents of the six analytes were largely different among samples from various manufacturers. Therefore, this determination method can provide a scientific basis for quality evaluation and control of Yixin Badiranjibuya Granules.

Aortic relaxant activity of Crataegus gracilior Phipps and identification of some of its chemical constituents

This study focused on the assessment of the vasorelaxant activity of the organic and aqueous extracts obtained from leaves and fruits of a Mexican hawthorn (Crataegus gracilior) on isolated rat aorta, and on the purification and identification of some of their secondary metabolites by the use of chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. The results obtained showed that the methanol extract has a significantly more potent and effective vasorelaxant effect than the other tested extracts, with an EC₅₀ = 8.69 ± 4.34 µg/mL and an E_max = 94.6% ± 11.30%, values that are close to that of acetylcholine, the positive control. From the same extract, two major triterpenes were isolated and identified as ursolic and corosolic acids by comparison of their experimental NMR spectroscopic data with those reported in the literature. Chlorogenic acid, rutin, quercetin, kaempferol and (+)-catechin were also identified using HPLC coupled with PDAD. All these compounds have already been proven to possess on their own antihypertensive effect and other benefits on cardiovascular diseases and they can support, at least in part, the traditional use of this plant species.

Alkaloids from the tribe Bocconieae (papaveraceae): a chemical and biological review

The Bocconieae tribe, consisting of only the genera Macleaya and Bocconia, possesses significant economic and medicinal value and plays an important role in health management for people in developing countries. During the past decades, research on metabolites and relative pharmacology, including the isolation and identification of a variety of molecules, has shed light on the tribe. Among those molecules, isoquinoline alkaloids, and their antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory activities are especially noteworthy. This paper presents a comprehensive compilation of current research progress, with emphasis on the alkaloids and their distribution, phytochemical and pharmacological investigation, toxicity and side effects, related chemotaxonomy and future use prospects, and hopefully provides a valuable reference as an effort to promote further exploration and application of this tribe.

Phytochemistry and bioactivity of aromatic and medicinal plants from the genus Agastache (Lamiaceae)

Agastache is a small genus of Lamiaceae, comprising 22 species of perennial aromatic medicinal herbs. In this article, we review recent advances in phytochemical, pharmacological, biotechnological and molecular research on Agastache. The phytochemical profile of all Agastache species studied to date is generally similar, consisted of two main metabolic classes-phenylpropanoids and terpenoids. In the relatively variable essential oils, most populations of different Agastache species contain over 50 % of a phenylallyl compound-estragole. Also, other volatile compounds (methyleugenol, pulegone, menthone, isomenthone and spathulenol) were reported in various proportions. Major non-volatile metabolites belong to phenolic compounds, such as caffeic acid derivatives, especially rosmarinic acid as well as several flavones and flavone glycosides like acacetin, tilianin, agastachoside, and a rare dimeric malonyl flavone (agastachin). Two unique lignans-agastenol and agastinol-were also isolated. Terpenoids include triterpenoids of oleanane-type (maslinic acid, oleanolic acid and β-amyrin), ursane-type (ursolic acid, corosolic acid and α-amyrin), and typical plant sterols, as well as abietane-type oxidized diterpenes (e.g., agastaquinone, agastol, and others). The bioactivity of various extracts or individual compounds in vitro and in vivo include antimicrobial, antiviral and anti-mutagenic activity, cytotoxic activity to cancer cell lines, and anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic, antioxidant as well as biocidal activity to several foodstuff pests. Biotechnological and molecular studies have focused on in vitro propagation and enhancing the biosynthesis of bioactive metabolites in cell or organ cultures, as well as on the expression of genes involved in phenolic biosynthesis.