Anticonvulsant Effects of Some Arab Medicinal Plants

Anethole in cancer therapy: Mechanisms, synergistic pHyungseo Bobbyotential, and clinical challenges

Cancer remains a major global health challenge, prompting the search for effective and less toxic treatments. Anethole, a bioactive compound found in essential oils of anise and fennel, commonly used as a food preservative, has recently garnered attention for its potential anti-cancer properties. This comprehensive review aims to systematically assess the anti-cancer effects of anethole, elucidating its mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and synergistic potential with conventional cancer therapies. A detailed literature search was conducted across databases including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Criteria for inclusion were experimental studies in peer-reviewed journals focusing on the anti-cancer properties of anethole. Extracted data included study design, intervention specifics, measured outcomes, and mechanistic insights. Anethole demonstrates multiple anti-cancer mechanisms, such as inducing apoptosis, causing cell cycle arrest, exhibiting anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic effects, and modulating critical signaling pathways including NF-κB, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and caspases. It enhances the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents like cisplatin and doxorubicin while reducing their toxicity. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown its effectiveness against various cancers, including breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers. Anethole shows significant potential as an anti-cancer agent, with its multi-faceted mechanisms of action and ability to synergize with existing chemotherapy. Further clinical research is essential to fully understand its therapeutic potential and application in oncology.

A Multidimensional Review of Pimpinella anisum and Recommendation for Future Research to Face Adverse Climatic Conditions

Anise, or Pimpinella anisum, has a long history of usage in traditional and alternative medicine, as well as in the pharmaceutical sector. The species is native to Southwest Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean region. The current studies have revealed that wild and cultivated P. anisum are rich in bioactive compounds, such as phenols, tannins, carotenoids, and fatty acids. Different parts of P. anisum plant are used treatment of diseases, the treatment of pathogens for antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal purposes, and cosmetics. In this paper, we reviewed the current knowledge on geographical distribution, cultivation, chemical compounds, extraction methods, and agronomic and medicinal uses of Pimpinella anisum. Equally, we suggested guidelines for future research to fill the gap in less investigated issues. Data for this paper was gathered via electronic literature search on Google, Google Scholar, and databases counting, Science Direct, Scopus, Springer, PubMed, and Hindawi, from 1930 to 2022. Analyzed data show that Pimpinella anisum is currently recorded from Portugal on the Atlantic Ocean in the west to China in the East. With new extraction methods, such as Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction, scientists have explored the higher quantities of polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidants, and revealed new constituents such as trans-anethole and estragole found in essential oil fruits by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). These compounds showed significant therapeutic benefits against diseases, pathogens, and cosmetic roles. However, with the current impacts of climate change on natural vegetation cover, more investigations are needed to understand how these affect the geographical distribution, metabolic aspects, and chemical properties of Pimpinella anisum. These are suggested to increase the value of the species and ensure its conservation.

Artemisia vulgaris Linn: an updated review on its multiple biological activities

Background

Artemisia vulgaris Linn, an annual herb, is also known as Mugwort or Wormwood in English, Nagadouna in Hindi, Mashibattiri, or Machipatri in Tamil. Native habitats are temperate Asia, Europe, Northern Africa and Alaska. Ethnomedicinally, it is used in traditional treatments to treat depression, epilepsy, irritability, insomnia and stress. This plant is called Herbaka in the Philippines and is used to alleviate hypertension. It is utilized as a culinary herb in western countries and is often used to flavor rice dishes and tea in Asia.

Main body of the abstract

Botanical description, holistic approaches, ethnomedical uses and phytochemical screening of A. vulgaris along with its various in vitro/in vivo pharmacological activities reported are the prime focus of this literature. The primary phytoconstituents and diverse pharmacology of this plant have been fully uncovered in order to learn about its previously unrecognized ethnomedicinal uses and provide scientists with new knowledge to advance their study of this plant.

Short conclusion

This review includes various principle phytoconstituents (hydroxybenzoic acid, rutoside, camphen, 1, 8-cineole and α-thujone) which are extensively shown biological activities such as analgesic, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. However, further investigations are needed for identifying chemical constituents responsible for the claimed ethnomedicinal uses along with their mechanism of action. It is also anticipated here that the review will be the current understanding of Artemisia vulgaris application in complementary and alternative medicine.

A Pharmacological Perspective on Plant-derived Bioactive Molecules for Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a related chronic neurological condition of a predisposition for recurrent epileptic seizures, with various manifestations and causes. Although there are antiepileptic drugs, complementary natural therapies are widely used. The purpose of this systematic review was to analyze the antiepileptic/anticonvulsant pharmacological properties of plant-food derived bioactive molecules. In this regard, a systematic review of the PubMed database was made based on the inclusion criteria. Natural compounds/herbs with scientifically proven antiepileptic properties were selected. Experimental pharmacological studies in vitro and in vivo have shown that flavonoids, alkaloids and terpenoids may have anticonvulsant mechanisms similar to the new generation antiepileptic drugs. The relationships of structure-anticonvulsant effect, pharmacological models, seizure-inducing factors and response, effective dose were also analyzed and discussed. The results of in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies analyzed in this systematic review support the clinical importance of plant-food-derived bioactive molecules for the complementary treatment of epilepsy. Thus, are opened new perspectives to develop new natural anticonvulsant drugs.

Safety and Efficacy of Herbal Sedatives in Cancer Care

Insomnia and other sleep disturbances are common in cancer patients. Insomnia is a multifactorial health concern that currently affects at least 1 in 3 cancer patients, and yet most insomnia sufferers do not consult their physician regarding pharmaceutical options for relief. Use of hypnotic drugs (primarily benzodiazepines) is associated with increasing tolerance, dependence, and adverse effects on the central nervous system. While hypnotic drug use declined substantially in the past decade, the use of herbal sedatives appeared to increase. Mostly self-prescribed by lay people, herbal sedatives hold widespread appeal, presumably because of their lower cost and higher margin of safety when compared to pharmaceuticals. Studies of better-known herbal sedatives, notably valerian and kava, showed moderate evidence for both safety and efficacy for valerian while revealing disturbing toxicity concerns for kava. Milder sedatives or anxiolytics in need of clinical study include German chamomile, lavender, hops, lemon balm, and passionflower; St. John’s wort may have anxiolytic effects with relevance to sleep. Herb-drug interactions are a possibility for some of these species, including St. John’s wort. Although sufficient evidence exists to recommend some of these agents for short-term relief of mild insomnia, long-term trials and observational studies are needed to establish the safety of prolonged use as well as overall efficacy in the context of cancer treatment and management.

Effect of the herbal combination Canephron N on diabetic nephropathy in patients with diabetes mellitus: results of a comparative cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious and common complication of diabetes mellitus leading to end-stage renal disease in up to 30% of diabetic patients. The first manifestation of DN in humans is microalbuminuria, which arises from the increased passage of albumin through the glomerular filtration barrier. Reactive oxygen species, inflammatory cytokines, and growth factors are key players in the context of damage to the glomerular filtration barrier.

INTERVENTIONS

In this study the herbal combination Canephron(®) N, containing lovage root, rosemary leaves, and centaury herb, was administered to patients with DN to study the effects on microalbuminuria and overall oxidant/antioxidant status. An open study involving 59 patients with DN was performed to compare the effects of Canephron N administered concomitantly with standard antidiabetic therapy and an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, with the standard therapy and ACE inhibitor treatment alone.

RESULTS

After 6 months of therapy the level of microalbuminuria decreased significantly in the study group compared with the control group. Canephron N had a positive effect on the antioxidant defense status and lipid peroxidation levels. In addition, liver aminotransferase levels did not change.

CONCLUSIONS

With respect to the excellent tolerability, the study results encourage use of the herbal combination as an add-on therapy in patients with DN.

The influence of essential oil of aniseed (Pimpinella anisum, L.) on drug effects on the central nervous system

Anise (Pimpinella anisum L.; Apiaceae) and its essential oil have been widely used in folk medicine, pharmacy and food industry. Since there are some data about the impact of anise on functions of central nervous system (CNS), the issue of possible interactions with drugs acting in CNS should be considered. This survey aimed to examine the influence of aniseed essential oil (EO) intake on the effects of drugs that act in CNS. The chemical profile of essential oil determined by GC-MS revealed as the main components: trans-anethole (88.49%), γ-himachalene (3.13%), cis-isoeugenol (1.99%), and linalool (1.79%). The effects of codeine, diazepam, midazolam, pentobarbital, imipramine and fluoxetine were tested in mice after 5days of peroral pretreatment with human equivalent dose of aniseed EO (0.3mg/kg). The intake of EO led to significant increase of analgesic effect of codeine. The motor impairment caused by midazolam was enhanced in the group treated by EO. The application of diazepam decreased the number and percentage of entries in open arm in elevated maze plus test in the group pretreated with EO indicating augmented effect of drug on motor activity. EO pretreatment caused significant shortage of pentobarbital induced sleeping time when compared to control. The decrease in antidepressant effect of imipramine and fluoxetine was diminished by the pretreatment with aniseed EO. Based on the results of this study we conclude that concomitant intake of aniseed EO preparations and drugs that act on CNS should be avoided due to potential herb-drug interactions, which also need further clinical confirmation.

An evidence-based systematic review of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration

An evidence-based systematic review of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), including written and statistical analysis of scientific literature, expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetics/dynamics, interactions, adverse effects, toxicology, and dosing.

Anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects of Pimpinella anisum in rat brain

Background

Essential oil of Pimpinella anisum L. Apiaceae (anise oil) has been widely used in traditional Persian medicine to treat a variety of diseases, including some neurological disorders. This study was aimed to test the possible anti-seizure and anti-hypoxia effects of anise oil.

Methods

The effects of different concentrations of anise oil were tested on seizure attacks induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) injection and neuronal hypoxia induced by oxygen withdrawal as well as on production of dark neurons and induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) in in vivo and in vitro experimental models of rat brain.

Results

Anise oil significantly prolonged the latency of seizure attacks and reduced the amplitude and duration of epileptiform burst discharges induced by injection of intraperitoneal PTZ. In addition, anise oil significantly inhibited production of dark neurons in different regions of the brain in epileptic rats. Anise oil also significantly enhanced the duration of the appearance of anoxic terminal negativity induced by oxygen withdrawal and inhibited induction of LTP in hippocampal slices.

Conclusions

Our data indicate the anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects of anise oil, likely via inhibition of synaptic plasticity. Further evaluation of anise oil to use in the treatment of neurological disorders is suggested.

Review of Pharmacological Properties and Chemical Constituents of Pimpinella anisum

Pimpinella anisum (anise), belonging to Umbelliferae family, is an aromatic plant which has been used In Iranian traditional medicine (especially its fruits) as carminative, aromatic, disinfectant, and galactagogue. Because the wide traditional usage of Pimpinella anisum for treatment of diseases, in this review published scientific reports about the composition and pharmacological properties of this plant were collected with electronic literature search of GoogleScholar, PubMed, Sciencedirect, Scopus, and SID from 1970 to 2011. So far, different studies were performed on aniseeds and various properties such as antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, muscle relaxant, analgesic and anticonvulsant activity as well as different effects on gastrointestinal system have been reported of aniseeds. It can also reduce morphine dependence and has beneficial effects on dysmenorrhea and menopausal hot flashes in women. In diabetic patients, aniseeds showed hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effect and reduce lipid peroxidation. The most important compounds of aniseeds essential oil were trans-anetole, estragole, γ-hymachalen, para-anisaldehyde and methyl cavicol. Due to broad spectrum of pharmacological effects, and very few clinical studies of Pimpinella anisum, more clinical trials are recommended to evaluate the beneficial effects of this plant in human models and synthesis of new drugs from the active ingredients of this plant in future.

Evaluation of the antinociceptive effect of Rosmarinus officinalis L. using three different experimental models in rodents

The rationale of this investigation was to examine the antinociceptive effect of an ethanol extract of Rosmarinus officinalis (RO) aerial parts, using three different experimental models: acetic acid-induced writhing test and formalin test in mice; and a model of arthritic pain: "pain-induced functional impairment model in the rat (PIFIR model)". The antinociceptive efficacies were evaluated using several dose-response curves and time courses. The antinociceptive effects from RO extract were compared with the antinociceptive effect of either tramadol (TR: 3.16-50 mg/kg, i.p. in mice, and 1.0-31.62 mg/kg, i.p. in rats) or acetylsalicylic acid (AA: 31.62-562.32 mg/kg, p.o.). RO extract (10-300 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly (P < 0.001) reduced the number of writhing movement induced by the i.p. administration of acetic acid solution in a dose-dependent way (ED50 = 108.84 mg/kg, whereas, TR showed an ED50 = 12.38 mg/kg). In addition, RO extract (30-300 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.001) inhibited licking and shaking behaviours in both early (neurogenic pain) and in the late (inflammatory pain) phases of the formalin test. These effects were like those produced by TR. Concerning the results using the PIFIR model, RO extract (30-3000 mg/kg, p.o.) like either TR or AA, produced a significant (P < 0.001) and dose-dependent antinociceptive response in rats (RO: ED50 = 222.78 mg/kg versus TR: ED50 = 11.06 mg/kg and AA: ED50 = 206.13 mg/kg). These results strongly suggest that aerial parts of RO possess antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity, and reinforce the use of this plant in folk medicine.

Aromatherapy in the management of psychiatric disorders: clinical and neuropharmacological perspectives

Aromatherapy is currently used worldwide in the management of chronic pain, depression, anxiety, some cognitive disorders, insomnia and stress-related disorders. Although essential oils have been used, reputedly effectively, for centuries as a traditional medicine, there is very little verified science behind this use. The pharmacology of the essential oils and/or their single chemical constituents, therefore, remains largely undiscovered. However, accumulating evidence that inhaled or dermally applied essential oils enter the blood stream and, in relevant molecular, cellular or animal models, exert measurable psychological effects, indicates that the effects are primarily pharmacological.This review includes evidence from the limited number of clinical trials that have been published of 'psychoaromatherapy' in relation to psychiatric disorders, together with evidence from mechanistic, neuropharmacological studies of the effects of essential oils in relevant in vitro and in vivo models. It is concluded that aromatherapy provides a potentially effective treatment for a range of psychiatric disorders. In addition, taking into account the available information on safety, aromatherapy appears to be without the adverse effects of many conventional psychotropic drugs. Investment in further clinical and scientific research is clearly warranted.

Herbal remedies, dietary supplements, and seizures

The use of herbal remedies and dietary supplements is widespread throughout the world, and use may be increasing. These are taken for a wide range of perceived benefits, such as energy and memory enhancement and treatment of specific conditions. Individuals with and without epilepsy may use these substances and may not inform their treating physician unless specifically asked. Inquiry about herbal medicine and dietary supplement intake should now be part of routine clinical history taking. Anecdotal accounts suggest that some herbal substances may have anticonvulsant effect, but randomised double-blind controlled trails are lacking. Alternatively many herbals and dietary supplements may predispose to seizures in individuals without epilepsy and worsen seizure control in those with epilepsy. In this article, we review the potential anticonvulsant and proconvulsant effects of herbal remedies and dietary supplements and discuss the potential interaction between these herbal substances and conventional anticonvulsant medications.

Effect ofRosmarinus of?cinalis L. aerial parts extract on morphine withdrawal syndrome in mice

The effect the aqueous and ethanol extracts of Rosmarinus officinalis L. aerial parts on morphine withdrawal syndrome was investigated in mice. The aqueous and ethanol extracts induced a significant antinociceptive activity in the writhing test. This activity was inhibited by naloxone pretreatment. Dependence was induced using subcutaneous injections of morphine daily for 3 days. On day 4, morphine was injected 2 h prior to the intraperitoneal injection of naloxone. The number of jumps during the 30 min period after naloxone injection was considered as a measure of the withdrawal syndrome. The results indicated that the aqueous (1.68 g/kg and 2.4 g/kg, i.p.) and ethanol (0.96 g/kg, i.p.) extracts reduced the number of jumps. Phytochemical study indicated that only the aqueous extract of R. officinalis has an alkaloid component. It is concluded that the aqueous and ethanol extracts of R. officinalis aerial parts could diminish morphine withdrawal syndrome.

The effects of fruit essential oil of the Pimpinella anisum on acquisition and expression of morphine induced conditioned place preference in mice

The problem of drug dependence still remains unresolved. In the present study the effects of an essential oil of Pimpinella anisum (Umbeliferae) on the expression and acquisition of conditioned place preference (CPP) induced by morphine in mice were investigated. Subcutaneous (s.c.) injections of morphine (2-5 mg/kg) produced place preference in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of the essential oil of P. anisum (0.125-0.5 ml/kg) induced conditioned place aversion (CPA). The mice which have received the essential oil of the P. anisum (0.125-0.5 ml/kg, i.p.) as well as the oil with morphine (5 mg/kg, s.c.) reduced the morphine effect. Administration of the essential oil of P. anisum (0.125-0.5 ml/kg, i.p.) on the test day did not show any effect on morphine action. It appeared that pre-administration with bicuculline (GABA(A) receptor antagonist) (1.5 mg/kg, i.p., 20 min before essential oil) diminished the effect of the essential oil of the P. anisum on morphine which induced CPP, but this result was not found for the GABA(B) receptor antagonist, CGP35348 (200 and 400 mg/kg, i.p., 10 min before essential oil). In conclusion, it appeared that the essential oil of the P. anisum may reduce the morphine effects via a GABAergic mechanism.

History of epilepsy in Medieval Iranian medicine

The history of epilepsy in Medieval Persian medicine is not well-known in the Western world. This article presents the clinical approaches according to which Medieval Iranian practitioners viewed epilepsy and dealt with its problems. The clinical viewpoints of epilepsy are collected from Medieval Persian scientific references. These describe clinical manifestations, basic mechanisms, etiologies, treatment and prognosis. Medieval Iranian practitioners provide detailed clinical information on epilepsy. They mention various forms and symptoms of epilepsy and its apparent causes and offer dietary and hygienic rules, as well as a long list of pharmacologic compounds for treating it. Their findings about epilepsy are very accurate and vivid and many of them are accepted even today.

Efficacy and safety of herbal stimulants and sedatives in sleep disorders

World-wide use of herbal medicines is increasing, following regulatory and manufacturing developments. Herbs are attractive alternative medications to many patients with sleep disorders, who may be averse to using conventional drugs. We review here the most common herbal stimulants and sedatives. Caffeine, in herbal teas, black tea, coffee, soft drinks and pharmaceuticals, is used widely to control sleepiness, but more research is needed on its use in sleep disorders. Ephedra, and its constituent ephedrine, are used in both stimulant and weight loss preparations, sometimes with caffeine; safety concerns have arisen with this practice. Yohimbe is another herb used in stimulant and body-building preparations which has safety concerns. Asian and Siberian ginseng have been traditionally used for fatigue, and have some supportive experimental evidence for this use. Herbal sedatives also have some evidence for efficacy; the observations that certain plant flavonoid compounds bind to benzodiazepine receptors adds interest to their use. Valerian and kava have received the most research attention; both have decreased sleep onset time and promoted deeper sleep in small studies, and kava also shows anxiolytic effects. German chamomile, lavender, hops, lemon balm and passionflower are reputed to be mild sedatives but need much more experimental examination.

The fruit essential oil of Pimpinella anisum exerts anticonvulsant effects in mice

This study investigates anticonvulsant effects of an essential oil of the fruits of Pimpinella anisum (Umbelliferae), a folkloric remedy in the Iranian traditional medicine, against seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) or maximal electroshock (MES) in male mice. The essential oil suppressed tonic convulsions induced by PTZ or MES. It also elevated the threshold of PTZ-induced clonic convulsions in mice. The essential oil produced motor impairment. However, this effect was not observed at the doses and time courses needed for anticonvulsant activity.